Barcelona midfielder Pedri has issued a candid post-match assessment following the team’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico. Speaking to DAZN, the Spanish international acknowledged that his side was far from their usual standard, particularly during the opening 45 minutes. “Overall we didn’t play a great game, in the first half we weren’t ourselves,” Pedri stated, highlighting that the team made numerous tactical errors that ultimately proved decisive in the result.
Midfielder admits slow first half and costly errors cost Barca crucial points at Camp Nou
The loss marks Hansi Flick’s first La Liga defeat of the season, a stumble Pedri attributed to a lack of intensity and “silly losses” in possession. The midfielder noted that while Barcelona managed to equalize in the second half, they failed to defend the transition effectively, allowing Real Madrid to capitalize on a known weakness to secure the winner. “In the first half we were very slow… those things are costly, we have to improve to continue,” Pedri admitted, emphasizing the team’s desire to have secured the three points in front of their home supporters.
Despite the setback, Barcelona remains at the top of the La Liga table, though the margin of safety has narrowed significantly. The defeat leaves the Blaugrana just two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, with Real Madrid sitting in third place, three points behind after ten matches. As Pedri noted, “this is a long season,” suggesting the squad must quickly rectify their defensive lapses to maintain their title challenge against a resurgent Madrid side.
Source: Yahoo Sports
