Switch flicked for Lewandowski; Mbappé strays offside: 3 key points as Barca demolish Real in El Clásico.

Although Robert Lewandowski did not steal the spotlight in the lead-up to El Clásico, the 2021 Best FIFA Men's Player demonstrated his prowess on La Liga's biggest stage with a quick-fire brace, helping Barcelona secure a memorable 4-0 victory over their arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. While Lewandowski silenced the packed Bernabéu crowd, which was there to see Kylian Mbappé's Clasico debut, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal outsmarted goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, effectively quashing any hopes of a comeback for Los Blancos.

To ensure Real Madrid fans opted for an early exit, in-form Raphinha sealed the goal-fest with Barcelona's final strike in the 84th minute. The defending champions, Real Madrid, hosted their bitter rivals after an incredible come-from-behind win against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Barcelona prepared for the Clasico with an impressive 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou. In the lead-up to this first Clasico of the new season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for transforming the Blaugrana's philosophy. Under Flick's guidance, Barcelona has drawn 73 offsides, the highest of any team in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

The flag was up for Real Madrid and Mbappé.

Thanks to Barcelona's high defensive line, superstar Mbappé found himself caught offside repeatedly during his forgettable Clasico debut for Real Madrid. Under Flick's coaching, Barcelona effectively neutralized Mbappé's two attempts by employing their trademark offside trap. Notably, Mbappé was flagged offside six times in the first half of the Clasico in Madrid. Wasteful in their first half, Mbappé's Real Madrid matched their highest number of offside calls in the first 45 minutes of a La Liga match since the 2003/2004 season.

Yamal claims Clasico record, hits CR7 celebration

Yamal has been making headlines, already outshining Mbappé at UEFA Euro 2024, and he continued to steal the spotlight in the recent Clasico against Real Madrid. In a remarkable moment, Yamal broke a 77-year-old record by scoring against Madrid's goalkeeper, Lunin, from a tight angle in the 77th minute. Notably, he is now the youngest goal scorer in Clasico history and was awarded the Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament.

The 17-year-old standout even customized his braces for this high-stakes match between the La Liga giants. To add to the drama, Yamal celebrated his goal with Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic celebration at the Bernabéu, leaving fans in awe. His incredible performance was further highlighted by Raphinha's cheeky finish, which ended Real Madrid's impressive 42-game unbeaten run at home.

Lewandowski continues to thrive with Flick

Barcelona opened a six-point lead at the top of the La Liga standings thanks to goal-machine Robert Lewandowski, who showcased his class against Real Madrid. While Kylian Mbappe struggled to find his rhythm, Lewandowski skillfully evaded Madrid's offside trap, capitalizing on a through ball from Marc Casado. The 36-year-old doubled his score with a brilliant header, completing his brace in just three minutes. Although he missed two additional scoring opportunities, Lewandowski's goals secured Barcelona's first victory over Madrid since March 2023. His impressive performance in the Clasico has brought his league-leading tally to 14 goals this season.