Ilkay Gundogan questions Barcelona’s response following El Clasico defeat as he claims his team-mates should have been ‘angrier’ after Jude Bellingham inspired Real Madrid comeback

• Ilkay Gundogan wanted ‘more emotion’ from team-mates after El Classico defeat
• Gundogan opened the scoring before Jude Bellingham inspired Madrid to win
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Ilkay Gundogan has suggested that his Barcelona team-mates were not hurt enough by Saturday’s defeat to Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season. 

Gundogan put Barcelona ahead in the first half in Catalonia before two goals from Jude Bellingham inspired a Real Madrid comeback. 

The loss leaves Barcelona third in LaLiga, four points behind Madrid and Girona. 

Xavi’s side had the better of much of the contest, hitting the woodwork twice after Gundogan had given them a sixth-minute lead, but they now have work to do if they are to retain the league title they won last season. 

The former Manchester City midfielder hinted that some of his team-mates did not seem disappointed enough about the result. 

Ilkay Gundogan wanted to see ‘more emotion’ from his Barcelona team-mates after they were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid on Saturday

The former Manchester City midfielder had given the Catalan side an early lead in his first Clasico appearance 

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Gundogan said: ‘Of course people are disappointed but after such a big game, and such result, I wish there was more anger, frustration and disappointment. 

‘There has to be more emotion, especially when you lose.

‘You know you can do better in certain situations and you don’t react, and this transfers to the pitch at the end of the day.’

Barcelona have now dropped points in three of their last five league matches after being held to draws against both Mallorca and Granada. 

Jude Bellingham scored twice in the second half to continue his exceptional start to life in the Spanish capital 

Xavi’s side won the league title last season, but they currently sit third this term after also dropping points to Mallorca and Granada

They also started the season with a goalless draw at Getafe, and Gundogan admitted that the team needs to improve to stay competitive.

‘We need to make huge step or Real Madrid or Girona is going to run away,’ he said.

‘I didn’t come here to lose these types of games or let a gap be created [at the top of the table].’

Making an immediate return to form could be difficult though, with Barcelona’s next game away at fifth-placed Real Sociedad. 

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