David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez goals were enough to see Madrid win at the Nou Camp despite Sergio Aguero’s late consolation and Koeman could now be under pressure
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Barcelona fans did not appear to show any ill-feeling towards their under-pressure manager Ronald Koeman despite the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Nou Camp in El Clasico.
A stunning first-half strike from David Alaba gave the visitors the lead, and it was game over when Lucas Vazquez bundled home a second late on.
There was still time for Sergio Aguero to grab his first goal for Barca with a fine close-range finish, but it was too little too late, and it was Madrid who ended up celebrating a sweet victory in the home of their bitter rivals.
The result will undoubtedly leave Koeman looking over his shoulder, with some questioning how long he can stay in the job given Barca’s poor start to the season.
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The result sees them lying in eighth place in La Liga, and a five-point gap has now opened up between themselves and leaders Madrid.
Some have suggested the likes of Antonio Conte or Roberto Martinez could be tempted to Catalonia if president Joan Laporta decides to wield the axe.
But judging by the conduct of the Barca supporters on Sunday, they are not desperate to see the Dutchman given the boot.
They supported their side passionately throughout the encounter, and did not once appear to turn on either their under-performing players or the coach.
Even when the second goal went in, any chance of the scenes turning ugly did not come to fruition, and the majority of the ground sung even louder in passionate defiance.
Whether this was purely due to the occasion of El Clasico over any fondness for Koeman remains to be seen, and it will be intriguing to see what kind of reception he receives at Barca’s next home game against Alaves on Saturday October 30.
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Before then they have a game away to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, and as of yet there is no indication that Koeman will be sacked before then.
However, a defeat would surely leave Laporta no alternative but to hand the former Everton boss his P45.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was asked for his thoughts after the full-time whistle, and appeared delighted with his side’s performance.
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He told Movistar: “With the ball we were always very good, we defended well. Until the final goal they had no chances and we had them despite the fact that the last pass was not good.
“To start winning was good and in the end we have to be focused because anything can happen. It is a very good victory, another El Clasico won to continue at the top, which is important.
“We were in the middle block, we did not want to get into the area and we did not, perhaps in the end to defend the result, and the coach asked us to hit long.
“When you are winning at the Camp Nou you have to defend the result and not go crazy for the second or third. It is important to be well organized as we did.”