Barcelona rip Real Madrid apart to go top
The first major test of how much Real Madrid have progressed under Jose Mourinho ended in abject failure - but not humiliation according to the Special One - as Barcelona produced as fine a display as you will see all season to destroy their greatest rivals 5-0 in their own inimitable style.
Unsurprisingly, Betfair offered the best odds on the stunning scoreline, with a £10 bet returning a quite staggering £1,320 - even accounting for the maximum five per cent commission - whereas the same stake with Bet365 and Stan James provided a comparatively paltry profit of £660. To find out more check out our Betchecker site.
Mourinho, who showed dignity in defeat, has attempted to find a positive in the fact that his Inter Milan team were outclassed at the Camp Nou in their first meeting last season in the Champions League group stage then improved to dump them out in the semi-finals, yet it's impossible to argue with Barcelona's new position as [1.74] favourites.
Not only do the reigning champions now boast a two-point lead, their head-to-head advantage should the sides finish level on points is practically insurmountable, as Real Madrid would need to hit them for six at the Bernabeu.
As the challengers are yet to face Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal, the next three visitors to the capital and a group of clubs already brushed aside by Barcelona by a 10-2 aggregate, it's clear that it will take a great effort to win the title despite the relatively undaunting margin, hence a price of [2.38].
Mourinho could also take comfort from the response he garnered from his Chelsea team when they suffered their first loss to Manchester United in 2005-06, as a ten-match winning streak immediately followed and they finished first, however neither the margin of defeat or quality of opposition were quite as fierce.
Can Real Madrid recover from this emphatic setback? Have your say below...
Published: 30 Nov 2010
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