October 25, 6:00 p.m., Bernabéu Stadium.
The highly anticipated El Clásico began with a whistle from referee Manzano!
As Ancelotti had predicted before the match, Barcelona deployed a 4-3-3 Formation. Xavi also appeared in the starting lineup, which gave everyone at Real Madrid even more confidence that the team could defeat their opponents at home.
But no one had expected that before four minutes had passed, Messi would send a long diagonal pass from the right to Neymar on the left side at the edge of the penalty area. The Brazilian star carried the ball laterally along the top of the box, shook off Carvajal, escaped Varane, and fired with his right foot. The shot drilled straight into the bottom-right corner of the goal.
The sudden goal left everyone at Barcelona ecstatic, while the Real Madrid players were somewhat stunned.
They had conceded right after kickoff. Some players had not even touched the ball yet.
Young Varane raised his right hand high, signaling to his teammates that it had been his mistake.
When Messi sent the long diagonal pass, Carvajal had immediately blocked Neymar's route. After Neymar cut inward with the ball, he entered Varane's defensive zone. Varane had been moving to the right and had to stop suddenly and change direction to close him down. But at that instant, his footing slipped slightly, and he failed to keep up in time.
Everyone at Real Madrid was a little bewildered by the goal, but they quickly regained their composure.
"It's fine, it's fine. Stay focused, everyone. It doesn't matter. We'll catch up soon."
Yang Yang clapped hard and loudly rallied the team. He even ran back from the front and gave Varane a firm hug, encouraging him and signaling that he had to keep working hard and not lose heart.