At the Estadio de Mestalla in the city of Valencia on Wednesday, Real Madrid faced with Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final, a competition which could very provide either side with their only significant trophy of the season.
However, with Barcelona knocked out of the Champions League, and reeling from poor results in La Liga, one expected Gerardo Martino to go hell for leather, filled with hungry players who not only wanted to win, but needed to.
Instead, what we witnessed was Tata Martino and his Barcelona boys earning a degree from the David Moyes School of Crossing.
Traditionally, the lump it and hope tactic was one used by squads less technically adept than their opponents, teams from lower divisions facing off against top-class opposition, because it provides a physical battle from which the rest of the play can be dictated.
It would also help that teams utilising the cross as a main method of attack usually consists of footballers who are proficient at attacking long balls, strong in the air and with good finishing. Barcelona up front had none of the above.
The tale of two signings seemed to have their roles reversed since the last Clasico; Gareth Bale's meandering performance the first time out and Neymar's burst onto the scene was iconic earlier in this season, Barcelona beating Real Madrid and the Spanish Liga collectively sighing, resigning themselves to the fact that this same squad would run riot all season.
Not this time out. Bale took centre stage as the injured Cristiano Ronaldo could only watch from the stands.
To say Bale's goal was class is an understatement. It was an ode to physicality, power and agility - check out this YouTube link to see what I mean.
Bale pushing the ball past the hapless Marc Bartra, whose attempts to halt Bale's advance saw him hopelessly bounce of the Welshman's athletic physique, and the acceleration made famous tormenting defences in the English Premier League.
Finally, coolly slotting home, Bale knew that despite his good performances throughout the season, Real Madrid made him the most expensive player in the world for moments like these; individual brilliance capable of stepping up on the biggest stage.
Poor Neymar, it has to be said. Nothing stuck on the night, as when his dribbling was successful, his delivery was not and vice-versa.
The Brazilian even had a chance to pull Barcelona level late in the game, toe-poking past Iker Casillas in a one-on-one situation, only to see the ball ricochet off the post.
His face told us all we need to know – a brilliantly talented footballer who is exhausted physically and mentally. It does not help that this season has been wracked by controversy on and off the pitch.
With the World Cup in Brazil looming, the pressure will not let off for Brazillian football's prodigal son of this generation. Truly, who else is going to lead them to victory – Thiago Silva? Give me a break.
And a sidenote on Lionel Messi, himself a passenger on the night – has the fire left him? The relentless need to outclass the opposition and run defences ragged?
Or perhaps he has his sights set solely on the World Cup, preserving himself until then. Whichever it is, listless performances like this usually cost lesser players their spots in the lineup. Will this happen to the amazing Argentine?
The irony is also not lost on how unfair football can be. Like fellow Welshman George Best in his day, Bale is unlikely to ever see his outstanding skills on the biggest stage in world football. – April 18, 2014.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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