Why Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen was taken off at half-time vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

An explanation for the half-time substitution of Barcelona star Andreas Christensen in the club’s showdown with Real Madrid has been forthcoming online.

Barca and Real, of course, are currently locked in action.

In a crunch La Liga top-of-the-table showdown, the latter have welcomed their arch rivals to the Santiago Bernabéu, for the latest edition of El Clásico.

As things stand, the sides are locked at two goals apiece, amid what has proven a pulsating affair in Spain’s capital.

After Andreas Christensen’s early opener was cancelled out by Vinícius Jr, Barcelona retook the lead, through substitute Fermín López.

But, moments ago, Real Madrid drew level once more, Lucas Vázquez arriving at the back post to slot home a fine finish.

Amid the chaos on Sunday evening, Barcelona’s midfield has been shaken up not once, but twice.

The first came upon Frenkie de Jong being stretchered off with a fresh injury, replaced by Pedri.

Then, at the interval, it was the turn of Andreas Christensen, despite his goalscoring exploits, to make way for the aforementioned Fermín.

The Dane being hauled off with just 45 minutes on the clock gave rise to inevitable speculation, pointing towards a potential injury of his own.

As much, however, has since been ruled out.

As revealed by Toni Juanmartí of Diario Sport:

‘Christensen’s change was for tactical reasons. Without Frenkie de Jong, Xavi tried to put a little more nerve/deployment in the midfield by bringing in Fermín.’

Conor Laird | GSFN