Real Madrid suffered a home loss against FC Barcelona in a hotly anticipated ‘El Clasico’ matchup between the two Spanish giants. Following the loss, Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez gave an insight to the match, stating that he wasn’t bothered much about Barcelona youngster Gavi’s character on the pitch.
Real Madrid took an early lead in the game after Vinicius Jr.‘s cross found the ball back in the net following a deflection off of Ronald Araujo. Sergi Roberto equalized the game in the dying minutes of the first half with a calm finish inside the box.
Barcelona remained dominant throughout the remainder of the game, but was unable to find the back of the net until the 92nd minute when Frank Kessie fired it home from a low-driven cross from Ansu Fati.
The 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi was physically present throughout the game. The Barca kid took out Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in an off-the-ball challenge. Real Madrid fans claim that the Spanish youngster committed too many fouls and got away with them at the end of the day.
Gavi waited 3 weeks to get his revenge. This dude 😭pic.twitter.com/WRXTAFW94O
— Xabhi ✪ (@FCB_Lad_) March 20, 2023
Nacho Fernandez defends Gavi
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Nacho Fernandez claimed that such physical aggression is common and expected in a high-adrenaline El Clasico match.
“I didn’t talk to Gavi about that topic. It’s a Clasico there are kicks, fights, friction,… It’s football. No need to review it again. The goal is to win with the National Team. When I play again, the same thing will happen again and it’s better for you, because that’s how you have more of a ruckus to speak about. Gavi is a good kid,” he said.
This victory solidifies Barcelona’s position atop the La Liga table, where they now sit with 68 points, 12 ahead of the capital team with 12 games to play. With their current form, Barcelona is highly unlikely to slip up on the La Liga title this season. It is almost certain that they will not fall below the Top 4 finish either, which guarantees them Champions League entry next season.
Xavi has now won #ElClásico FIVE TIMES in the past year! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona
Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona
Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/ksXQSE1cn6— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 20, 2023
FC Barcelona has not been able to win any European trophies since 2015, and they will be looking for European success next season. They may potentially be banned from entering the UCL next season, though, following a scandal that has emerged in recent times.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to win the Champions League for a record 15th time this season, as the most successful UCL team find themselves in the quarterfinals after demolishing Liverpool in the previous round. They are the reigning champions and will be looking to win the most prestigious European club trophy back to back.
