Coming off a loss to Sevilla two weeks prior, many expected Real Madrid to come out on all cylinders in this edition of El Clásico. Especially after reports surfaced of several players approaching manager Rafa Benitez about changing the team’s tactics to something more attacking friendly.

Instead they had flashbacks to the infamous Manita game from the 2010-2011 season when Barcelona beat them 5-0.  Barcelona defender Gerard Pique even mentioned post game that they were pushing for a fifth goal until the very end.

In the end the azulgranas didn’t log that fifth goal, settling for a 4-0 result thanks to goals from Andres Iniesta, Neymar and two from Luis Suarez. As a result Barça handed their rivals their first home loss in 23 matches and moved ahead six points, distancing themselves as La Liga leaders.

The main storyline was the return of Leo Messi, although Barcelona proved they didn’t need him, even if he did come on as a substitute late. Though Madrid had their own players returning from injury; James, Benzema, Bale and Sergio Ramos were eith playing their first game back or had recently been activated.

And they looked rusty, with Barcelona easily cutting through Madrid’s defense like butter.

“It was more of a testament to how bad Real Madrid is than how good Barça is,” said one Real Madrid socio after the game. “The game was a signal of deeper problems within the club.”

Many supporters felt the same way throughout the match, with the crowd chanting “¡Florentino demisión!” (Florentino resign!) calling for Real Madrid’s president to step down.

Spanish media have even started to count the days until Benitez is done at the club. Spanish daily Marca’s webpage had the headline “Benitez, sentenced” plastered across the top to signal the manager’s days are numbered. Indeed many have lamented about Real’s style of play, with many saying that this is how many of their past games, even wins, should have ended.

Madrid have lots to reflect on, as their Champions League winning campaign seems like ages ago. Last year they went trophy-less, and going on this season’s early returns, they may end up with the same result this season as well.

Photo: Flickr