Everybody knew it was coming, but few could have predicted the manner in which Barcelona would defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid in Camp Nou this evening.

It was far from a typical 'Clasico' encounter. From Barca's point of view in particular, it was gritty and even a little cringe-worthy at times, as frustration came to the fore and Blaugrana players began rolling around on the floor after what were essentially routine challenges from their opponents.

The hosts dictated the tempo of the entire game and had a golden chance to take the lead when substitute Sergio Busquets won what was a fairly dubious penalty. Samuel Eto'o was denied by a smart save from Iker Casillas, but it would be the Cameroon international, against his former club, who was in the right place at the right time to deflect the ball into the back of the net from close range, after Carles Puyol won a towering header from a corner.

That goal as good as settled the game. Comeback kings though los Blancos may be, most of their match-winners were injured, suspended or had already been substituted in anticipation of the draw - and a side as devastating on the counterattack as Barcelona only need one chance to score one goal. Lionel Messi obliged in style, producing a 'spoon' finish that would have made Raul proud to put the result beyond doubt.

Even Pep Guardiola, ever the picture of humility, erupted into uninhibited celebration once he realised just what this victory meant for his side. They cruised through their Champions League group, and after an unremarkable start in the league, they began picking up successive wins before bursting into top gear and readily smashing four, five or even six past all comers. Then came tonight, the first game of their season that was not only big, but major, and though without doubt Madrid were under-strength and maybe the little things did go the way of the home side, they still won the day - and did so deservingly - what more can you ask?

The gap between themselves and Villarreal in second is now nine points - though it could close to six by tomorrow - and Real Madrid trail a massive 12 off the pace. Frank Rijkaard let a similar lead slip in his penultimate season in charge of the club, a dramatic slide that began at a time when his side were undisputedly heralded as the best in the world. He and his squad had far less to prove at that moment than this current crop of wounded Catalan tigers, who are already drawing similar plaudits to the Champions League winning team of 2006.

It's true, we're not even half-way through the season, but the signs are ominous. The best side since Barcelona 2005-06 has been Manchester United 2007-08, a side that quite simply beat everything that was put in front of them last season, one way or another. Their big game record was exceptional, their defence unprecedentedly miserly, they had a revolving door of high-quality, interchangeable midfielders and a free-roaming forward line that produced goals in all circumstances - sound familiar?

The mantle certainly seems to be heading back to Barcelona. It will always be 'too soon' to make any sweeping statements until there is some silverware back in the Catalan club's trophy cabinet, but whether it be home or away, fast or slow, big or small, scrappy or swashbuckling, every game is seeing Barca produce results. It's now only a question of whether they can sustain this level of performance until May in order to pick up at least one major honour, if not going as far as to even replicate the Red Devils' (and indeed their own) league and Champions League double.

Can anyone suggest a reason why they won't?

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com

 

They AREN'T Manchester United. Reason enough...

 

Double up baby!!!!
And thank God they are not Man U

 

+1

 

While Barca look the team this year and the comparisons can certainly be drawn, the difference is that Man U deserves to be called the best in the world for their wins last year. Let's not coronate Barca just yet, they have to win cups not just matches to wear the crown.

 

you can't argue with that

 

Great post! "You must spread.............. like.no.other again"

Loved the game. The save Casillas did was out of this world.

 

It was a poorly shot penalty kick. I guess Casillas should have some rep for choosing the right corner though...