The international break provides a time for reflection on domestic duties. But the truth is, La Liga is still reeling from a result which caused shockwaves around Europe.
It may have lacked the importance or the gravitas of many previous clashes – in fact, it is not even going to have any impact on this season’s Spanish title race such is the gulf between the teams – yet the latest version of El Clasico will live long in the memory for those of a Catalan persuasion.
Just how could Barcelona blitz Real Madrid in their own backyard after the season they have had?
A campaign which began with the departure of their greatest player, Lionel Messi, and a perilous financial situation which saw them loan Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid, followed by efforts to offload £135.5-M striker Ousmane Dembele too.
That was followed by their failure to progress beyond the group stage in the Champions League.
Yet here they are, favourites to win the Europa League in May and on course for a top three finish after rediscovering their mojo under new boss Xavi.
Now last Sunday’s 4-0 success in the Bernabeu has to be put into context.
They remain 12 points behind runaway leaders Real who are the leading side in Spain and will deservedly go onto win the championship as the SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds tell you as much.
The suggestion Barca could overcome that deficit in the final months of the season is, quite frankly, laughable and should not be countenanced.
Until last weekend, Real had won five El Clasicos in a row and will be hurting but should not suffer any lasting damage from this setback.
Was this result, though, a sign Barcelona have put their financial woes behind them and can challenge for the top honours next term?
Certainly Xavi is cooking something seriously impressive at the Nou Camp and has his side playing creative, swashbuckling football that’s underpinned by defencive resolution and intelligent organisation.
After losing their way under Ronald Koeman, Xavi has managed to quickly implement his desired style since arriving in November and has been boosted by what now look very shrewd signings in January.
They include recruits from the Premier League, most notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal, Ferran Torres from Manchester City, and Adama Traore from Wolves.
Only Memphis Depay (10 goals) has scored more than Aubameyang (nine) and Torres (five) for Barcelona this term.
In terms of overall progress, this summer will be huge for both clubs in the transfer market and Barca have already been linked with the likes of Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, and Erling Haaland.
But if Haaland is one half of Europe’s most wanted duo this summer, Real are seemingly courting the other.
Indeed, confidence is so high in the Spanish capital that a certain Frenchman will be making La Liga 2022 highlights next season that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in Madrid is being taken for granted.
After the Frenchman’s repeated refusal to renew his contract at PSG, few doubt that Mbappe will be wearing the white shirt next season – a move which may well place Madrid’s attack on another level.
Because one thing that the result of El Clasico did highlight was Real’s reliance on Karim Benzema in their attack.
Let’s not forget that Benzema has been the outstanding player in La Liga this season with 22 goals and 11 assists.
Without the No.9, manager Carlo Ancelotti opted to field Luka Modric in the false centre-forward position, flanked by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes. The experiment didn’t work and Los Blancos barely created anything.
As well as Mbappe. Real have reportedly set their sights on Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, although much may depend on whether the club will be able to cash in on players such as Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, Luka Jovic, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo.
There’s time enough to find out that, but what should be acknowledged is the job of Ancelotti.
When he returned to the club at the beginning of the campaign, there were some question marks over the head of the Italian coach, who had previously enjoyed great success with the Madrid side.
That seems remarkable given he is immortalised in Madrid for being the man to finally bring La Decima to Real in 2014 and the fact he lifted a further three trophies during his time in the capital.
Yet, he was unable to ever secure a league title.
He is now well on the way to achieving that. And with the wily veteran at the helm, expect Real to be challenging for major honours once more next term.
Despite their Real romp, whether Barcelona will be is unclear.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer.
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