#defensive-errors

#defensive-errors

They not only performed with more intent in midfield but were defensively more solid and sharper in attack, while Barcelona defended in shambles, were slow through the middle, and attacked with zero intent. In the end, goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham helped Los Blancos take all three points over Hansi Flick's side, who had just a Fermin Lopez strike to show as consolation.

Barcelona have endured a rough start to the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season. Hansi Flick's men have looked far from their best, especially in defence, where both full-backs have struggled to contain the relentless pressure from Real Madrid's front line. The Blaugrana found themselves punished early on when Kylian Mbappe finally broke through to open the scoring. Although Barcelona managed to find an equaliser soon after, their defensive lapses continued to cost them dearly.

I haven't seen the goal again, but I have the feeling I can do a lot better. We get pierced a bit easily, and then I have a bad reflex to go up, to take that step forward when I should have simply stepped back. Let's say that's a bit like how we defend at club level, and unfortunately, it's a bad reflex that costs dearly because we concede a goal, even though the action goes forward, but the result is that I could have done better on that goal.

Gabriel Arias hit a two-run homer that sparked a six-run second inning, and the Cleveland Guardians routed the sloppy Boston Red Sox 8-1 on Wednesday night to avoid a three-game sweep.

"Boone's 'all is well' demeanor in interviews, no matter how much they inflame fans who believe he is gaslighting them, ultimately means little. What matters is whether Boone behind the scenes is holding his players accountable. If he is, it sure isn't showing on the field."

Kevin Gausman struggled on the mound, going 5 innings while allowing 4 runs, 3 earned. Defensive miscues also contributed to the team's loss.

The Giants' defense showed a concerning lack of skill during their 9-2 loss to the Cubs, with two players each committing two errors resulting in five unearned runs.