Analysis of El Clasico

Real Madrid’s last-gasp equaliser at Barcelona meant the points were shared in El Clasico on Saturday in an unusually cautious clash between the great rivals.

Luis Suarez did get on the scoresheet early in the second half but that goal was one of only seven shots on target that the two teams managed between them in the match.

That’s the lowest in any of the last 10 meetings between the sides and Barca’s lowest total in that period too – remarkable given the quality of forwards on the pitch.

The onus was on the home side but they managed only two shots on target. Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo alone tested the goalkeeper more times than they did as a team.

Madrid were happy to defend with a medium block, only applying pressure when Barcelona crossed the half way line.

Barcelona did not take risks and preferred to find the forwards by bypassing the midfield. All in all it became a conservative Clasico. So the coaches had to do something to change things.

Luis Enrique’s team simply does not function as well without Andres Iniesta. It was only when he came on just before the hour mark that …

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