INTERNATIONAL: As expected, Newcastle’s new owners have been quick to boot under-performing manager Steve Bruce and Barcelona’s Ronald Koeman must be wondering if he’ll be next to go job-hunting. He just can’t seem to catch a break, with his side going down 2-1 to Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season on Sunday.

It was the first time Barcelona were playing in front of a capacity crowd at the Nou Camp. 86,442 fans crammed into the stadium and a defeat was not what they came to see. A sensational strike from defender David Alaba and a late goal from Lucas Vazquez gave Real Madrid the full three points. Barcelona did manage to control possession in the first half, but just didn’t make enough of it. Ronald Koeman made three changes after half-time, but none of it was enough. In the post-match media briefing, there was no hiding for Koeman:

"Of course, we are disappointed. All of us, because of the final outcome, and it must be like this. We must be sad and disappointed, but now we have to analyze the match and see what we've done well, what was correct. I think we challenged them, we were up for it and we had the support of the crowd until the last minute of the match and that's it. We don't have time available to stand there idly. No, because on Wednesday we have another match."

The win put Real Madrid top of LaLiga with 20 points. Barcelona are languishing in eighth place with just five points. Ronald Koeman knows he has turn things around and fast if he’s to keep his job.