Last Saturday, Spanish soccer witnessed a new edition of El Clásico, which took place at the emblematic Santiago Bernabéu. FC Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, defeated Real Madrid in a resounding 4-0 scoreline. There was no comparison between the two teams.
Whether in offense or defense, the visitors were far superior to Real Madrid. While Lewandowski left with a brace, Mbappé could only add eight offsides to his record. Not only that, because the star of the show was Marc Casadó, who shone in his first Clásico and left several conclusions.
In this sense, the most striking aspect of the classic was the composition of the Barça eleven, which included six players trained at La Masia. In addition, Flick didn't hesitate to give minutes to Gavi and Dani Olmo, which raised the number of youth players on the field to eight. This fact underlines the effectiveness and richness of La Masia, something that Real Madrid puts into evidence and that Josep Pedrerol brought to the fore at El Chiringuito.
Josep Pedrerol Finds Madrid's Problem at El Chiringuito: 'They have to...'
While FC Barcelona showed their confidence in young talents, Real Madrid could only count on Lucas Vázquez as a representative of the youth team in the starting eleven. This disparity in the training of players was a point that didn't go unnoticed by the analysts at El Chiringuito. Josep Pedrerol, the host of the program, delved into the discussion of Madrid's defeat and listened attentively to Fernando Sanz, who pointed out one of the causes of the white defeat.
"I do know that a Real Madrid team has to have players from the youth system in the first team. To know what Real Madrid is, how it breathes, you need to have people from the youth system who have a say and tell those who come what Real Madrid is. I do know that for sure," said Sanz. This reflection was received with applause and agreement from the other collaborators, including Josep Pedrerol.
Fernando Sanz's statement reflects a growing concern within the club. The lack of youth players in the first team could be affecting not only Madrid's identity, but also its performance on the field. While Barça celebrates its youth policy, Real Madrid needs to integrate young talents so that they identify with the history and values of the white club.
The classic made it clear that, while Barça continues to feed its legacy with local talent, Madrid must rethink its strategy in the youth academy. This aspect is key to future success and Josep Pedrerol knows it. That's why, after Fernando Sanz's reflection in El Chiringuito, he applauded his words.