Aurelien Tchouameni puts on a clinic, but Real Madrid suffer heartbreak against FC Barcelona | OneFootball

A hard-fought 120 minutes for Real Madrid ended in yet another defeat in a final against FC Barcelona, but this time, in the most heartbreaking fashion.

Coming into this fixture, Real Madrid had conceded 9 goals against the Blaugrana in two matches, and with the form they were in, Los Blancos were aware of the threat looming over their heads.

Carlo Ancelotti started Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez as the full-backs, with the Italian doing the same as he did in the earlier two encounters this season. A lot rested on the defense and a particular French pivot known as Aurelien Tchouameni to not only prevent the damage but also remain calm in possession while being under pressure.

After a disappointing end to the opening half, the Merengues returned with renewed energy and played some of their best football this season.

The French duo of Kylian Mbappe and Tchouameni took it upon themselves and scored twice in seven minutes to put Real Madrid into the lead and offer them a ray of hope of winning a trophy against their arch-rivals.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring the equaliser against FC Barcelona. [Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images]

Although that unfortunately did not happen, Tchouameni was one of the players who shone brightly. According to Sofascore statistics, other than the goal he scored, the 25-year-old was accurate with 85% of his passes and also completed 2/2 dribbles. He won 9/12 duels and completed the same number of defensive actions – 4 clearances, 3 tackles, and a block and interception each.

Even though the start of the season was disappointing for Aurelien Tchouameni, in the past few months, he has really shown why he deserves to be at Real Madrid and has justified his price tag to a good extent.

The midfield truly shone on the night, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde also contributing and putting their hearts out in a match they once had in their grasp.

It wasn’t to be on that night in Seville, but the season is not over yet. Tchouameni and co. have the opportunity to go all out in the final five games and hope some results go their way to lift the La Liga title.