David Alaba started the counter-attacking move and blasted a left-footed shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Ander Ter Stegen.
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Real Madrid emerged victorious over their arch-rivals FC Barcelona thanks to an absolute screamer of a goal by defender David Alaba and a late goal by Lucas Vazquez. Los Blancos recorded a slender 2-1 win over the Catalans at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Two of the three goals of the match came in stoppage time. The victory took Real to the top of the La Liga table while their opponents on the day remain at a lowly eighth. Madrid were the favorites heading into the match. Given their form and how poorly Barcelona have started the new season, it could have been a comfortable victory for the 13-time Champions League winners. However, the Barcelona players put up a fine fight, although it was in vain.
Real struck in the first half when Austrian defender David Alaba produced an absolute peach of a finish. It was a perfect counter-attacking move by the visitors. It was the Austrian who started the move, and he made sure to finish it. He started the counter-attack and blasted a left-footed shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Ander Ter Stegen. Real took the lead in the 32nd minute.
Barcelona player Ansu Fati had his attempt at an open goal blocked by the Austrian a few moments afterward. Gerard Pique also tried to score shortly afterward but his attempt went wide of the goal. The concession of the goal was even more annoying for Barcelona because only a few moments earlier, USA international Sergino Dest had a golden opportunity to score for the home team but blew his chance from just 12 yards out.
Fans had to wait until the 93rd minute for the next goal of the game and unfortunately for the majority of those inside Camp Nou, it was the visitors who discord and practically sealed the three points in their favour. Marco Asensio produced a low shot at Ter Stegen. The German did well to save it but the rebound effort by Vazquez could not be kept out. A two-goal advantage in stoppage time ensured that Carlo Ancelotti’s team would return home with all three points.
Barcelona did manage to pull one goal back but it was just too late. Sergio Aguero scored his first goal for the club in the 97th minute. Dest recorded an assist to his name as he charged down the right-hand side of the pitch and delivered the all-important cross into the box. Aguero punched on the opportunity and pulled one back for Barcelona on what was a forgettable day at the office.
Much like the scoreline, the stats of the game were all pretty tight. Barcelona enjoyed 52% of the possession while Real had 48%. The hosts also recorded more shots (12) than the visitors (10). However, Real had 50% shot accuracy. Five of their 10 shots were on target. However, Barcelona’s forwards were not so accurate on the day. Only two of their 12 shots were on target. It will be a massive problem for Ronald Koeman going forward.
