Barcelona upset Real Madrid with a 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice.
The match was considered as a litmus test for Xavi Hernandez’s progress at Barca, and they passed with flying colors, humiliating their greatest rivals and indicating that they are ready to fight for La Liga next season.
While the outcome may have little influence on the title race this season, a defeat of this magnitude, especially at home and against Barcelona, will have major ramifications at Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s future will be called into question after Madrid was outplayed strategically and technically by Xavi’s Barca, who were faster, slicker, and, perhaps most worryingly, might have easily won by more.
Madrid were missing injured Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy, and there was some room for complacency considering that they started nine points clear at the top of the table.
But none of that excuses a loss like this one, which is the only solace today that a resurgent Barcelona is still 12 points behind.
When Barcelona was knocked out of the Spanish Super Cup by Real Madrid in January, the Catalans were chastised for celebrating their tight setback.
After five straight losses to Madrid, any win was welcome, but a thrashing like this might be revolutionary, providing a significant boost to confidence, validation of Xavi’s concept, and excitement for next season.
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