Posted by A.J. Nelson

The first league game under Mourinho’s tenure would be the worst - a 5-0 thrashing at Barcelona.  The second, in Madrid, would be a 1-1 draw.  Then there was the semi-finals of the Champions League:  a 2-0 loss and a 1-1 draw sent Barcelona to the Champions League Final.  There would be a consolatory Copa Del Rey title, but as the “official score” would be 1-1, it was not an outright win.  The year 1 tally would be bleak with 5 games and no wins against their arch rivals as Real Madrid had to watch them lift not only the league trophy, but become European Champions as well.

The 2011-2012 season gave Madridistas renewed hope with Barcelona struggling in pre-season where Madrid soared.  However, the results would be the same:  a 2-2 draw and 3-2 loss in the Spanish Super Cup would give Barcelona their first trophy of the season.  A December loss at the Bernabeu would add to Madrid’s worries.  Even with a lead in La Liga, losing to their rivals at home was not what anyone hoped for.  They would face each other yet again in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals, but a 2-1 loss and 2‑2 draw would advance Barcelona and leave the rest of us wondering what magic Pep Guardiola is using against Madrid.

The trip to the Camp Nou had to be of significant concern for Madrid.  A loss to Barcelona and the possibility became very real that the league title could go to Barcelona yet again.  Madrid’s loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals would not help their concerns.  Given that the second leg would be a mere 4 days after the Barcelona game, many believed Madrid would play for a draw.  Of course, given that Barcelona does not lose at the Camp Nou, a draw would be an acceptable outcome for most.  Madrid had other plans.

It would not be Madrid’s best offensive game.  Quite frankly, although they went a goal up to start (by a surprising goal scorer, Sami Khedira), most figured Barcelona would come back to beat them.  They had many times before and at the 70^th minute, they showed they could again when sub, Alexis Sanchez, scored the tying goal after multiple stops by Iker Casillas and his defenders. 

However, it was at that moment things changed for Madrid.  Real Madrid’s defense stepped up.  They had been playing a great game, but after the tying goal, they played better than before.  Álvaro Arbeloa and Fábio Coentrao, in particular get special mention.  They are not considered the superstars, but they played like them on Saturday night.  Credit also has to be given to Karim Benzema.  He played forward, but when called upon, he stormed back to be a much needed additional defender.

In the end, however, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who made the game-winning difference.  He has been criticized time and time again for being “absent” in the big games.  He was quiet for much of this game, but not absent.  When Sanchez scored, it was Ronaldo, less than 3 minutes later who would score a beautiful goal to put Los Blancos ahead once again.  When the final whistle blew, the curse had finally been broken and in dramatic fashion.  Madrid fans were smiling and Barcelona fans were grumbling.  The league is now Real Madrid’s to lose.  They hold a 7 point lead in La Liga and the party at the Plaza de Cibeles is almost certain.  They need a win on Wednesday against Bayern Munich, but the Champions League final is also within their grasp.  A week ago, their dream season was in jeopardy.  After Saturday, it is on the brink of near perfection.

A.J. Nelson can be found on Twitter @FootieObsessed