Never Any Doubt

Last night's 3-1 win for Barcelona in the Bernabeu was probably the most humiliating to date for Jose Mourinho and company because they were psychologically prepared to get over the hump. After previous recent clasicos, Madrid bosses have made somewhat compelling excuses. They declared their roster inadequate (Juande Ramos, 2009) and the team unprepared (Mourinho, after last year's manita). But this time around Mourinho could only manage to grumble that much in football comes down to luck.

And WHEREAS the second goal was luck, and WHEREAS Barcelona's cycle of dominance will eventually end as all dynasties do, Barça are still superior at this moment.

The game was a rewind of every other edition over the past 4 years. Pepe was dirty, Ronaldo was profligate, Xavi and Iniesta were serene, Messi was omnipotent, and Madrid finished the game playing 5 & 5 vs 11. Initially, Madrid disrupted Barcelona's possession game and threatened with intensity. But they flagged and stopped chasing the ball, while Barcelona - Messi in particular - careened across the pitch as if their life depended on recovering possession.

The most surprising aspect of the game was Barcelona's self-assuredness. Whenever Ronaldo or Benzema came barreling down towards goal, Puyol and Pique stood their ground, grimly relishing the moment. "Bring it on." In the midfield, Barcelona dribbled and twirled effortlessly. And the game plan did not waver: Play the through balls, release Alves on the right.

Finally, the additions of Cesc and Alexis give Madrid something new to think about, assuring Barcelona of continued dominance in this rivalry.