Neymar wins battle of big-money buys

Brazilian outshines Bale in El Clasico as Barca defeat Real 2-1.

BARCELONA: Gareth Bale was given his chance to shine on the biggest stage of all as he made his El Clasico debut for Real Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday.

However, unfortunately for the Welshman, it was another expensive import making his bow in the fixture who shone, as Neymar scored Barca’s opener and then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make the game safe 12 minutes from time.

Jese Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Madrid in stoppage time to make the final score 2-1, but Bale had long since departed by that point.

“I am very happy to score such a special goal, but above all for the three points that we achieved,” said Neymar.

“It was very exciting to score in the game that every player wants to play in.”

The contrast between the signings could not have been greater and merely summed up the difference in how they have adapted to La Liga.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.