EL Clasico: Barcelona coach, Valverde reveals what caused Real Madrid’s 5-1 loss
Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde has explained why his side defeated Real Madrid 5-1 in the La Liga El Clasico fixture played on Sunday evening at the Camp Nou.
Goals from Luiz Suarez (3), Philippe Coutinho (1) and Arturo Vidal (1) ensured victory for the Catalan club at the Camp Nou.
Marcelo’s lone strike was not enough to get a point for the visitors.
Valverde said Barca won against Julen Lopetegui’s side because the Los Blancos players took risk during the game and his side punished them for that.
“Madrid showed they were a great team at the start of the second half,” Football Espana quoted Valverde as saying at post-match.
“They pegged us back, came out stronger and created chances, but we were able to run in behind them and when we scored the third, things improved.
“It’s one of those results that hurt your opponents. I remember when we played them in the Supercopa. We suffered a lot and now it’s their turn.
“Clasicos always have an emotional factor. It was important to win so we’d reinforce ourselves.
“Coaches are like that, we want to win, but now we also have to keep ourselves grounded because we have Cultural [Leonesa] and Rayo. We don’t stop here.
“We loosened up a bit but came back. They took risks and we made them pay for it. I know what it’s like to be in a difficult position when the results don’t come and it seems like everything’s going badly for you.”
He added: “In times like those, the Coach is the centre of attention. It’s something inherent to football.
“I know it’s a hard time for him, but tomorrow or three weeks from now it could happen to me.
“It’s a difficult burden to carry. Football is what it is, whimsical, and Coaches are permanently exposed. I have a good relationship with him.
“I don’t get involved in those issues, it’s not my job. Any Coach being sacked is unfair.”
Valverde’s men now have 21 points, seven more than Real, who occupy 9th position.
Barca will now take on Rayo Vallecano in their next fixture on Saturday.
