Sunday’s El Clasico was the first since December 2007 that didn’t feature Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The first now playing for Juventus in Serie A, the latter out with a fractured arm.
The El Clasico minus Messi and Ronaldo sees 49.5% fewer goals. In 30 games featuring them both, the two sides have combined for 101 goals, Messi’s 20 goals and 11 assists, added to Ronaldo’s 18 goals and one assist, means the two were directly involved in 50 of those goals.
The Argentine is the all-time top scorer in the fixture with 26 goals in 38 matches in all competitions and also has the most assists, with 14.
Ronaldo is the second highest scorer in El Clasico history with 18 goals, level with Real Madrid great Alfredo di Stefano.
Barcelona didn’t seem to miss the five time Ballon d’or winner, thrashing rivals Real Madrid 5-1. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring 11 minutes in after finding the bottom right corner.
VAR awarded the hosts a penalty after Raphael Varane brought down Luis Suarez in the box. Suarez doubled the host’s lead converting from the penalty spot in the 30th minute. The Uruguayan added his second of the game and Barca’s third 25 minutes after Marcello had scored the visitor’s only goal of the game, a header from the center of the box. Suarez completed his hat-trick eight minutes later with a right footed shot from the side of the box.
Arturo Vidal headed home Barca’s fifth goal of the day three minutes from time to secure the three points and the demolition of Real Madrid.
The loss leaves Real Madrid ninth in La Liga having scored only two goals in their last five league games. It also leaves manager Julian Lopetegui worrying about the safety of his job.
The win puts Barcelona top of the La Liga table with 21pts from 10 games, two points ahead of second placed Atletico Madrid.
Artistry of Sport 
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