Flick of a switch for Lewandowski; Mbappe strays offside: 3 talking points from when Barca dismantled Real in Clasico

Robert Lewandowski may not have headlined the El Clasico build-up, but the Best FIFA Men's Player of 2021 showed poster boy Kylian Mbappe how it's done on La Liga's grandest stage in Madrid on Saturday. The former Bayern Munich forward scored twice as Barcelona recorded a memorable 4-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Lewandowski silenced the Bernabeu, which was packed for Mbappé's Clasico debut, before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal fired past goalkeeper Andrey Lunin to dash all Los Blancos' 'Ramontada' hopes in their own backyard.

Ensuring that Real Madrid fans opted for an early exit at the Bernabeu, the in-form Raphinha ended a goal-fest second half by scoring the knockout blow for Barcelona in the 84th minute. Holders Real Madrid host rivals Barcelona after an impressive win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Visiting Barcelona also prepared for the Clasico with an impressive 4-1 win over Bayern at the Camp Nou. In the lead up to the first Clásico of the new season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti credited Barça manager Hansi Flick for changing the Blaugrana's philosophy. Under Flick's watch, Barcelona have managed to have 73 offsides drawn – the most by any team in Europe's top five leagues this season.

The flag was high for Real and Mbappé

Thanks to Barca's high defensive line, superstar Mbappe became an offside merchant in his forgettable Clasico debut for Real Madrid. Mbappe's two strikes were canceled out by flick-coach Barca with his trademark offside trap. Interestingly, Mbappe was ruled offside on six occasions in the first half of the Clasico in Madrid. Following a wasteful first half, Mbappe-starring Real Madrid equaled their most offside calls in the first 45 minutes of a La Liga match since the 2003/2004 season.

Yamal claims Clasico record, impresses CR7 festival

Mbappe, who has already missed out on Yamal at UEFA Euro 2024, was left out by Barca's number 19 in the recently concluded Clasico. Yamal beat Madrid goalkeeper Lunin from a tight angle in the 77th minute, breaking a 77-year-old record in Clasico. For the record, the Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament is the youngest goalscorer in Clasico history. The 17-year-old adapted his braces for the blockbuster clash between the La Liga giants. To add insult to injury, boy wonder Yamal also canceled out Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic celebration at the Bernabeu. Raphinha's cheeky spell came to an end after Yamal's crushing blow ended Los Blancos' 42-game unbeaten run at home.

Lewandowski continues to develop with Flick

Goal-machine Lewandowski demonstrated his class against Madrid, extending Barcelona's lead to six points at the top of the La Liga standings. While Mbappé failed to crack the code, Lewandowski capitalized on Marc Casado's through ball to easily beat Madrid's offside trap. The 36-year-old doubled his tally with a superb header as the Polish veteran completed his brace in three minutes. Lewandowski failed to convert two goalscoring chances, although his two goals ensured Barcelona's first win over Madrid since March 2023. Lewandowski's Clasico masterclass has extended his best goal tally to 14 goals in the league this season.