Barcelona forward Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as the reigning La Liga champions thrashed Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday at Camp Nou. This is the first 'Clasico' since 2007 to not feature either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Philippe Coutinho scored in the 11th minute to open Barcelona's goal fest. Suarez made the first of his three goals soon after as he converted a penalty awarded after consulting with the video assistant referee (VAR).
Real Madrid hit the mark when Marcelo struck in the 50th minute and looked to equalise with a goal from Luka Modric, but it struck post. Madrid picked up its game in the second half following a tactical switch from Julen Lopetegui.
Barcelona looked dangerous as Suarez struck again in the final 15 minutes of the game with two more goals. Substitute Arturo Vidal sealed Madrid's fate with a header in the 87th minute.
Real Madrid have now managed only one victory from their last six matches, are now ninth in the La Liga standings, seven points behind Barcelona, who are on top. They lost their last three games, and, as a result, looked low on confidence. Madrid suffered their worst defeat in a Clasico since 2010 when Barcelona, coached by present Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, beat them 5-0.
“This result is a reflection of our entire season, which has been a disaster,” said Real's midfielder Casemiro. “It's not about tactics or attitude, it's everything. The players have to run more and fight more. We aren't playing well and we can't blame the coach, as the players are the ones who have to perform on the pitch.”
Barcelona's thumping win against the European Champions also managed to give rest to the debates over the club's dependency on Messi, who is out due to a radial fracture.
Barcelona coach was delighted with his side's performance. “We had 15 difficult minutes, but we had a great performance. The first half belonged to us. They turned things around by playing fullbacks as wingers and we were caught out by it and suffered after their goal. Then we sorted ourselves out and took advantage of their risky approach.”
Uruguay striker Suarez completed his treble with a classy chipped finish while Chile international Vidal struck his first goal for Barca to further humiliate Real, who were condemned to.