Real president Perez backs coach Benitez

Instead of the usual vitriol Barca players have had hurled at them at the Bernabeu stadium, when captain Andres Iniesta was substituted near the end of their 4-0 La Liga victory numerous Real faithful stood and clapped him off.

Benitez called for his side to react quickly to a second successive league defeat, this humiliation following the 3-2 reverse to Sevilla a fortnight ago.

The Real Madrid papers focused on the damage the result had done to club President, Florentino Perez: “A hammering for Florentino”, headlines AS, whose editor, Alfredo Relano highlighting “the Bernabeu turns against the Directors’ box”.

“I don’t think Real Madrid gave up”.

The 35-year-old, now plying his trade in Qatar, feels Barca handed their rivals an “incredible” footballing lesson, and were mightily impressive as they extended their lead at the top of the Spanish standings to six points.

Neymar scored the second goal before the half-time, in the 39th minute, as Madrid manager Rafa Benitez continued to cut a sorry figure on the touchline. Benitez took over the helm at Real Madrid, after the club fired, Carlo Ancelotti, following the 2014-2015 campaign.

Zidane is now in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team, and has been tipped as a future first team boss.

Suarez and Neymar have kept Barca afloat without Messi, scoring 24 of their last 28 goals in all competitions.

Meanwhile Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was enjoying one of the best nights of his career. After Saturday’s loss they trail Barcelona by what seems like a daunting 6 points.

“I’m sure he will back him because we are now in the 12th week of the season, we are already leaders in the Champions League group, we are going to be in the knockouts so it’s too early”, he told BBC World Service. “There is still a long way to go and it is in no way decisive, but we go away from here very, very happy”.

He continued: “No coach has ever said that I have suggested anything to them since I have been here – the coach has full autonomy and plenty of power”.