Not even the referee could stop Messi-led Barcelona

Not even the referee could stop Messi-led Barcelona

Lluís Mascaró

Director de Información Deportiva de Prensa Ibérica

Ni el árbitro pudo con un Barça imperial
Ni el árbitro pudo con un Barça imperial | sport

They tried to rob Barcelona of La Liga. But the couldn't. Because this is Barça, despite their inconsistent form, their errors and their slip-ups, they are still Barça when they play like they know how. And on Sunday at the Bernabeu, they played like a champion. And with their football they overcame refereeing which clearly is manipulated in Madrid's favour. Like it has been all season... 

Hernández Hernández conditioned this Clasico with his decisions in the first half, allowing Marcelo (for his elbow on Messi, which drew blood) and Casemiro (who didn't pick up a second booking despite constant fouls) to stay on the pitch. It was a poor performance from the official, who could have left Madrid with nine men before half time if he'd wanted. 

Why? Well, because it seems that the league has to be won by Madrid come what may. Because they have only won one in eight seasons. The power of the Bernabeu palco, the power of Florentino Perez has finally had an affect. Madrid could be champions. But they would be shameful champions. 

It's true Barça have messed up a lot this season. Defeats, for example, at Malaga were decisive. But on Sunday they deserved to win at the Bernabeu. Because they were brilliant. Messi was brilliant. D10S. And they played with intensity. La Liga was at play and they did not want to give it up without a fight. 

Barça fought like St. George against the dragon to win the game. And they won. Not even the refereeing luck which has accompanied Madrid could evade this result. Madrid can still win La Liga. But Barça fought like a champions and gave everything here. And that's an honorary title in itself. An honour is worth more than shame.