After Barcelona's victory this morning (Sunday) 0:1 over Real Madrid, in the first Super Clásico of the season, the media in Spain mainly focused on compliments for the new acquisitions of the Catalans.
"Rafinia looks like a star, he only played twice but provided great displays," Marca wrote.
The winger's goal came after a mistake by his Brazilian teammate Ader Militao, who moved the ball away inaccurately.
"The next time they meet in the national team, Rafinha will have to give a gift to Militao. He will always remember that his first goal in the Clasico came after a gift from the Real defender," they added.
At the same time, there is also optimism regarding the integration of Robert Lewandowski, who made his debut at the club, started the lineup and played 45 minutes.
The Polish star recorded one miss against Thibaut Courtois and did not stand out particularly, but in Spain they are sure that "a real star has arrived at Barca, and his goals will continue to come. In relation to his first minutes in the team, he showed good ability".
Xavi.
"There are no friendly matches in Barcelona", photo: AFP
In the first half, the players of the teams brawled on the pitch and reminded the crowd that no matter what status the two teams meet, it is never really a friendly match.
"There are no friendlies in Barcelona. We always want to win, especially against Real Madrid," said Xavi.
Xavi also referred to Gerard Pique, who came on as a substitute for Ronald Araujo and had a frustrating night.
Every touch of the ball by the veteran stopper with shrill boos from the American fans, a reminder of his parting from Akira.
As I remember, according to the rumors the brakeman cheated on the Colombian singer, and the attitude he received from the audience in the United States was accordingly - with fans from both camps joining in the whistles against him and chanting cheers for Shakira.
En algo coincide la afición latina del Real Madrid y del Barcelona...
¡A Shakira se le backalda!
😜
Abucheos y gritos de "Shakira" para Piqué de both aficiones pic.twitter.com/V7KCwIxrtA
— Adriana Monsalve (@AdrianaMonsalve) July 24, 2022
On the other hand, Real Madrid concluded the first test of tools this season, with quite a few shortcomings.
The injured Karim Benzema was absent from the game, and without him it was difficult for the Blancos to create scoring situations.
Eden Hazard, who started on the wing, showed lukewarm ability and Carlo Ancelotti knows he cannot be so dependent on his French star.
"Karim Benzema is the best player in the world. It's clear that when he's missing, something is missing for Real. We need to think about how to reduce the damage when he doesn't play," said the coach, adding that Benzema is expected to return to play in the next warm-up game.
Carlo Ancelotti.
There is no substitute for Benzema, photo: AFP
Ancelotti presented an interesting defensive structure, with the acquired player Antonio Rudiger switching positions with David Elba time and time again, and part of the time being deployed as a left back.
"I intend to use Alaba as a left defender only as a last resort," Ancelotti clarified, "today I wanted him and Antonio to switch roles during the game, to check how it works."
Lewandowski (left) and Rudiger.
He drew compliments, photo: AFP
Barcelona and Real players.
Forget that this is a preparation game, photo: USA TODAY Sports
Despite the loss, the one who received compliments was the stopper Antonio Rudiger, who played 45 precisely in the position of left defender.
In "Marca" they were flattered: "Rüdiger clarified a few things: that he can play as a left back with receptions and that he came to Real Madrid to be a leader. Just like Alaba last season, the German showed in his first game that he is made of the stuff of champions."
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