El Classico as we know it.

An El classico without Crisitian Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The first in a while.
Before you begin to wonder, yes, obviously Cristiano watched from the stands as a guest. Messi? It can be said he didn't play. We have come to measure Leo with the lofty standard he'd set over the years. Same standard is what we didn't see yesterday night hence the first sentence.

The game started off brightly with both sides throwing players into the the thick of action from the onset. Barca looked more likely to open account but Courtois was in his elements as he turned in one save after another.
Barca have always dominated Real Madrid in such games even if the latter ended up winning. The days of Xavi and Iniesta meant the magic of tiki taka frustrated opponents. Today's Barcelona midfield romance the ball a lot. Arthur and De Jong are notable culprits.
Madrid on the other hand had driver, Toni Kroos gracefully pinging passes the length and breadth of the Bernabeau while Casemiro sat behind him. Federico Valverde, rightly touted as Kroos' replacement was magnificent as he ensured Jordi Alba sat back.

Vinicious Jnr, who broke the deadlock for Real Madrid capitalised on an undecided Shakira's partner to slot home. Pique's outstretched leg helping the ball home.
Mariono Diaz came on for Karim Benzema on the 91st minute and by the next, outran Umtiti from the right flank and powered home leaving Ter Stegan on the Bernabeau grass.

I won't join the minority in saying Messi is "finished" because he is not. What I will rather say is; imagine Neymar alongside Messi. The Argentine doesn't run like he used to and one thing is responsible; nature.
On the night, Real Madrid were the hungrier side and deserve the win that propelled them to the top of the pile in La Liga. It was a game that lived up to expectations.

Photo credit: B/R Football
Follow Ikenna on Twitter @ikenna005