A former member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid was this week responsible for some altogether head-turning quotes surrounding the club’s recent meeting with Barcelona.
The latest edition of El Clásico of course played out this past weekend, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
When all was said and done, it was Barcelona who emerged dominant victors, thanking goals on the part of all of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha (2) and Alejandro Balde for an eventual 5-2 triumph.
And yet, had things played out a little differently during the 2nd-half, Real Madrid could well have found themselves on the receiving end of an even more comprehensive defeat.
With the scoreline at 5-1, and Barcelona fresh off notching five straight goals, the onslaught was brought to a halt upon Blaugrana shot-stopper Wojciech Szczęsny being shown a straight red card.
A man down, and boasting a comfortable advantage, Hansi Flick’s side in turn took their foot off the gas.
One individual, though, adamant that the result would have proven a far, far more lopsided one had Szczęsny remained on the pitch, comes in the form of Antonio Cassano.
Speaking during an appearance on the Viva el Fútbol podcast, as cited by Diario Sport, this week, ex-Real Madrid star Cassano revealed his take that:
“If they don’t send off Szczesny, the game ends 10-1. I repeat, 10-1. And not 10-2, because the goal is scored in the foul after the expulsion.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
