Pep Guardiola just picked up his 11th title. Barcelona narrowly defeated an impressive Madrid side and Marcelo managed to ruin the best Clasico in years. After Barca unexpectedly picked up a tie at the Bernabeu, many felt that tonight’s match would be a tight encounter full of dirty tactics and nervous players. On the contrary, both sides came out blasting and Madrid’s counters tackled Barcelona’s tiki-taka system of intricate passing. For the footie fan, it was miraculous. For a Cule or Madridistas, it was a nervous nail biting encounter. Three days after the first leg, I’ve lost my voice again.
Of course there were dirty tackles. There were little skirmishes and occasional dives from both sides but compared to the past few encounters, it was a peaceful match. What bothers me though is the fact that Mourinho’s antics undermine the dignity of the match. There is a reason why these matches are viewed by billions of people and yet Madrid fans continue to suffer from Laporta’s Barcelonitis. The entire fan base, and especially the players, want so badly to beat Barca that they end up weaving themselves in the Catalan game plan. It is precisely their over exuberance that allows the short passing to get the better of them psychologically rather than physically. Ronaldo waves his hands in frustration, Sergio Ramos starts tackling foolishly and Pepe elbows Pique in the face. Typical.
The one thing I didn’t expect was for the honorable San Iker Casillas to buy into Mourinho’s psychopathic beliefs. As a Cule, I have nothing but respect for Madrid’s majestic keeper and in my opinion, he is the model role model athlete for any student of the game to look upon.
“Marcelo committed a foul and they [Barcelona’s players] threw themselves to the ground, like always.” – Iker Casillas
That challenge was uncalled for. Marcelo made NO attempt to get the ball and could have seriously injured Cesc’s knee ligaments out of nothing more than spite. I’m never one to encourage a violent brawl, but the Barcelona players had every right to storm towards Marcelo and huddle around their newest signing. This is more than a club whereas Marcelo is nothing more than a simple thug. Embarrassing.
All in all, credits to both teams for putting on a spectacle. It’s a shame Marcelo and Mourinho had to ruin the beautiful game. I’m starting to think he actually believes the crap that comes out of his mouth.
Other notable incidents:
Marcelo’s foul on Cesc Fabregas:
Mourinho gestures towards Messi:
Mourinho tugs on Tito Vilanova’s ear:
Global Golaso 