The caretaker Barcelona manager has blamed the energy draining clash at Santiago Bernabeu for their latest 1-1 league draw at the Mestalla.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona matches are the most highly anticipated clashes in the modern day football, and with so much at stake, the players are meant to give the occasion their all. Such are the expectations of both sets of supporters that the players usually
suffer from the aftermath of the match, in giving it their fullest of energies.
Barcelona are well on top of their game in terms of La Liga standings and there is minimal chance whatsoever in any other team walking away with the prestigious crown, at the end of the season.
The Catalans held a double figure advantage over their nearest chasers Atletico Madrid, prior to their game against a resurging Valencia side, but a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla has seen that gap being reduced to 9 points, following Atletico’s win at http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001
Calderon.
The Barcelona players lacked sharpness and their manager believes that it was all down to the exhausting game played earlier against Real Madrid, and the grand occasion of El-Clasico took a toll on the players fitness levels.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 saved a point for the visitors as he dispatched the penalty kick perfectly to bring the teams level at 1-1, in the game at the Mestalla. Ever Banega had earlier scored for the home side to gift them the lead.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 manager was however content with the result and stated that the score-line was a fair reflection on the events of the game.
“Our showing in the first half cost us, and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863 had a great intensity in the second, playing higher up the pitch, from a physical standpoint.”
“As always, we came with the intention of winning, but what happened was we found it difficult at the Mestalla and, in the end, a draw is fair enough.”
"We lacked intensity in the first half. We lacked depth in the second half; we had three or four very clear chances. Overall, we did not have the freshness of other games, but it's understandable. "
Barcelona are now 9 points clear of Atletico Madrid who are currently in the 2nd place in La Liga.
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