Barcelona asserted their dominance in La Liga with a resounding 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the first El Clásico of the 2024-25 season. Held at the Santiago Bernabéu, this match showcased Barcelona’s tactical mastery under new head coach Hansi Flick and solidified their place at the top of the standings. Here’s an in-depth look at how Barcelona’s strategy led to a convincing victory, as well as the key storylines from this historic clash.
Barcelona’s Tactical Masterclass Under Hansi Flick
High Press Disrupts Real Madrid’s Attack
Hansi Flick’s high-pressing strategy was central to Barcelona’s success, as they continuously pressed Real Madrid high up the pitch, forcing them into mistakes and rushed passes. The aggressive press limited Madrid’s ability to control the ball and isolated their attacking players, leaving Real Madrid unable to develop their typical fluid rhythm.
- Real Madrid’s Offside Struggles: Real Madrid’s forwards struggled to break through Barcelona’s high defensive line, with the team being caught offside a total of 11 times. Kylian Mbappé, in his first El Clásico appearance, was flagged offside eight times, highlighting his difficulty adapting to Barcelona’s compact and coordinated defense.
Mbappé’s Challenging El Clásico Debut
Mbappé’s first El Clásico was far from ideal, as Barcelona’s defensive coordination continually disrupted his runs. Despite his speed, Mbappé was repeatedly caught offside and even had a goal disallowed. Flick’s tactical organization neutralized one of Madrid’s most dangerous players, turning Mbappé’s strength into a liability.
Tactical Breakdown: Barcelona’s 4-2-3-1 Strategy
Barcelona’s Winning Formula
Flick’s 4-2-3-1 setup was executed flawlessly, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line and the midfield pairing of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri providing balance and creativity. Barcelona’s pressing game suffocated Madrid’s attempts to build from the back, and their possession-based play (58%) allowed them to dictate the game’s tempo and control crucial moments.
Real Madrid’s Struggles with Flick’s Approach
Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation, featuring Modric, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham in midfield, aimed to create chances for Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé. However, the high press and tight defensive coordination from Barcelona left Madrid unable to find consistent rhythm, as they struggled to break down the Catalan defense.
Match Highlights
- 15′ – Early Threat from Madrid: Vinícius Jr. had a promising chance, narrowly missing the target after a quick run down the left flank.
- 39′ – Raphinha’s Opening Goal: Raphinha put Barcelona ahead with a stunning free-kick, curling the ball past the Madrid wall and into the net.
- 52′ – Lewandowski Doubles the Lead: A perfectly timed through ball from Pedri allowed Lewandowski to slot home, making it 2-0.
- 68′ – Yamal Makes it 3-0: Young star Lamine Yamal scored after a swift counter-attack, adding to Barcelona’s lead.
- 88′ – Lewandowski Completes the Rout: Lewandowski capped off the victory with a well-placed shot, securing a 4-0 win.
Post-Match Analysis: Barcelona’s Title Ambitions Soar
La Liga 2024-25 Standings
| Rank | Club | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 37 | 10 | 27 | 30 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 24 |
| 3 | Villarreal | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 21 |
| 4 | Atlético Madrid | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 16 | 7 | 9 | 20 |
| 5 | Real Betis | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| 6 | Athletic Club | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| 7 | Mallorca | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 17 |
| 8 | Rayo Vallecano | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 16 |
| 9 | Osasuna | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 16 | -2 | 15 |
| 10 | Sevilla | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 15 | -3 | 15 |
Barcelona’s 4-0 victory demonstrated their growth under Flick’s guidance and solidified their lead at the top of La Liga. Lewandowski’s brace highlighted his continued excellence, while Raphinha and Yamal added to the scoreline, showcasing Barcelona’s balanced attack. Flick’s high-press strategy proved crucial, neutralizing Real Madrid’s attack and exposing their defensive vulnerabilities.
For Real Madrid, the match underscored the need for tactical adjustments to handle high-press teams effectively. Mbappé’s struggle with Barcelona’s defensive structure highlighted the challenge of adapting to La Liga’s tactical demands. Ancelotti and his squad will need to regroup as they aim to close the gap on Barcelona in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s 4-0 El Clásico victory not only extended their lead in the La Liga standings but also sent a clear message to rivals about their title ambitions. With consistent performances and effective tactics under Flick, Barcelona looks well-positioned to compete for the title this season. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will look to regroup and avenge this defeat in the next El Clásico, eager to reassert their dominance in Spanish football.
