By Alphonsus E.W
FC Barcelona over the weekend defeated arch-rivals, Real Madrid 2-1 at the Camp Nou Stadium with goals from summer signing Neymar and an exquisite goal from Alexis Sanchez before a late consolatory strike by Jese Rodriguez for the Los Blancos.
The focal point of the game, for once in the last couple of years, shifted from the game’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Neymar Jr and Gareth Bale, the two big-money players acquired by both teams during the summer transfer window.
Since his world record switch from Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale has struggled to replicate the form that persuaded Fiorentino Perez to pay £85m for his services. On the other hand, Neymar Jr. shone for the Blaugrana on his debut, scoring one and assisting Alexis Sanchez to score the other as Barcelona maintain their 100% unbeaten start to the season.
Real Madrid who sits 6 points adrift the league leaders, will feel aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty after Javier Mascherano clattered into Cristiano Ronaldo in the 18-yard box.
