Three points in Barcelona: Real Madrid wins the prestigious duel. Image: EPA
Ilkay Gündogan scores for FC Barcelona in the Clásico. But that’s not enough because the former Dortmund Bellingham once again towers above everyone. For the first time, four German professionals are on the pitch.
A goal from national team captain Ilkay Gündogan was not enough for FC Barcelona to win in the first Clásico of the season. The Catalans were beaten 1-2 (1-0) against Real Madrid in the Spanish league on Saturday after taking an early lead. Gündogan (6th minute) was only successful for the hosts, but former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham (68th/90th+2) scored two goals for the late victory. After the eleventh matchday, Real takes over the top of the table ahead of FC Girona with the same points. Barcelona are third but can still be overtaken by Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
According to the data provider Opta, four German professionals were on the pitch for the first time in the prestigious game: Gündogan and keeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the Barça jersey, Antonio Rüdiger and Toni Kroos for the Madrilenians. And Gündogan took center stage early on when he was successful with a well-considered shot into the far corner. The Catalans largely had the game under control in the first half and hardly allowed any chances to score; Real noticeably lacked creativity.
50,112 spectators at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, including music legends Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones, saw stronger guests after the break.
Published/Updated: Recommendations: 1 Hans-Günter Kellner, Madrid Published/Updated: , Hans-Günter Kellner, Madrid Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 20
The former Bundesliga professional Bellingham first overcame Ter Stegen with a strong long-range shot from more than 20 meters and then added another goal in stoppage time. In the 187th league game between the two long-term rivals, the substitution of the recovered former Munich player Robert Lewandowski after a good hour did not help Barcelona to take points.
