A sad 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clásico at the Montjuc Olympic Stadium ended Barcelona’s undefeated start. Barça completely outplayed Madrid for 60 minutes despite missing some of their top players due to injuries and deserved much more from the game, but Madrid took all three points because to a spectacular second-half performance by Jude Bellingham.

FIRST HALF

Due in large part to Xavi Hernández’s initial tactical setup, which caused early confusion for Madrid both with and without the ball, the Blaugrana got off to a fantastic start, moving the ball quickly and effectively from back to front and creating good offensive opportunities.

Ilkay Gündogan tried a one-two with Ferran Torres on the edge of the box, and he never gave up on the play, eventually winning the ball off David Alaba in the box and passing it calmly under Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs for the opening goal.

It took Real Madrid a while to figure out Barça’s structure, but once they did, they were able to settle in and start controlling the game. However, in the first half, they were never able to seriously challenge Marc-André ter Stegen. With youthful Fermn López at the center of every brilliant offensive move, the Blaugrana maintained superb control and calm on the ball throughout the half, and Madrid’s biggest threats were totally nullified, in large part because to Ronald Araujo and Gavi’s spectacular individual defense.

Barça controlled the first half owing to a superb tactical strategy and numerous spectacular individual performances, and they entered the second half in terrific shape. Madrid appeared to be at a loss for tactics and were irritated, but they had enough talent on the field and on the bench to pull off an upset. Would Barça be able to keep up the pace, or would Los Blancos respond?

SECOND HALF

With Iigo Martnez hitting the post and Araujo forcing Kepa into a brilliant save on the rebound within the first five minutes of the second half, Barça nearly doubled their lead and the Blaugrana were determined to not let the visitors grow into the game.

While Madrid did enjoy a little advantage in possession and had more aggression on the ball, Gavi’s superb sliding challenge on Jude Bellingham prevented the Englishman from getting off a shot before Ter Stegen. However, that was Madrid’s only real threat, and Barça did an excellent job of keeping the game under control as the clock approached the hour mark.

Carlo Ancelotti brought on Luka Modric and Joselu from the bench to try and help a Madrid side still lacking creativity and attacking punch, while Xavi made his first substitution with 30 minutes remaining, as Robert Lewandowski returned from injury to replace Ferran Torres and try to score the all-important second goal for the home team.

In the 67th minute, Aurélien Tchouameni forced Barça goalkeeper Ter Stegen into action with a rocket from outside the box that required a strong save from the German. However, Ter Stegen was helpless to stop Bellingham’s long-range attempt, which found the top corner before Ter Stegen could get to it. With 20 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, the game was suddenly tied.

The goal sparked a Madrid comeback, and Xavi responded by sending Oriol Romeu to give some defensive steel to the Blaugrana’s midfield as the visitors took control of the game. Shortly thereafter, the coach brought in the returning Raphinha and the youthful Lamine Yamal in an attack-minded attempt to punish Madrid’s increased offensive pressure.

As we approached the last ten minutes, Barça finally showed signs of attacking life after suffering a rough stretch. The home team started attacking again, and efforts from Lewandowski and Gavi were quite near.

A cross from Dani Carvajal was deflected by Luka Modric at the near post, and the ball went over the head of Iigo Martnez and into the path of Bellingham, who scored his and Madrid’s second deep in stoppage time. The game appeared wide open and all three points were up for grabs going into the deciding seconds, and Madrid were the ones to grab it.

With little time left to stage a comeback, the final whistle blew, ending Barça’s undefeated streak for the season. We played the better half of an hour and didn’t deserve to lose, but Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is that brilliant that they keep winning games they shouldn’t.

Despite my disappointment in the final score, I am pleased with Barça’s performance. Once healthy, this Barça club has a legitimate shot at winning the title this year. Araujo, Fermn, and Gavi were amazing.

Onward. Forward.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Iñigo, Balde; Fermín (Romeu 72’), Gavi, Gündogan; Cancelo (Yamal 76’), Ferran (Lewandowski 61’), Félix (Raphinha 76’)

Goal: Gündogan (6’)

Real Madrid: Kepa; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy (Camavinga 52’); Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos (Modric 63’), Bellingham; Rodrygo (Joselu 63’), Vinicius (Vázquez 90+5’)

Goals: Bellingham (68’, 90+2’)