Pep Guardiola dedicates El Clasico win to Barcelona legends

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has dedicated his side’s 5-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid on Monday 29 November to two of the club’s legendary figures ― Carles Rexach and Johan Cruyff.

Three of Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup winners got on the scoresheet, with striker David Villa bagging a double after twice being played through on goal by reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez and Pedro Rodriguez both finding
the net. Spain Under-21 cap Jeffren Suarez scored the last goal in injury-time.

The manner of Barcelona’s victory was significant as Cruyff played a part in two 5-0 victories over Real Madrid ― once as a player in 1973 and again as a coach in the 1994-95 season ― using the same style of passing football that Guardiola’s side use to
such devastating effect.

Rexach also played a key role in helping develop the style of play that Guardiola opts to use, and the current Barca boss has thanked the two former players for their influence on the present side.

He told reporters: “I dedicate this victory to Rexach and Cruyff because they are the ones who taught us to play this way. This victory has been 15 years in the making, as they have believed in the way we played football. We cannot find a team in the world
that entertains the people like we do.”

Guardiola made sure to point out that there was still long way to go in the title race, and singled out Daniel Alves and Messi for praise.

“It is true that it is only a match worth three points, but winning as we have done brings pleasure to the people. It is what gives meaning to our work and connects us with our roots. I congratulate (Alves) because he had to be more careful with their attack,
and tonight, he helped us a lot. Messi not only makes goals, but he is the best in all the records and he is only 23.”