It was the second and final Clásico of the season and both Real Madrid and Barcelona went into the game in seemingly good form. Real Madrid started the game on a high tempo but it soon turned into a nightmare for the hosts. Real Madrid lost the day 4-0 to arch-rivals FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu after showing an uninspired performance in front of the home crowd.

We take a look at three things that went wrong against Barcelona:

Tactical ‘Disasterclass’

Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics were one of his worst, as he approached the game without a genuine plan. He chose a lineup without many flaws but his inability to communicate effectively with the players, along with his poor analysis of Barca, cost us the game. As Benzema’s absence did not arrive suddenly, the Italian coach had time to contemplate tactics and game plans for the match without the talismanic forward. Modric played as a false nine in a formation of 4-2-4 that Madridistas knew was a bad idea. The defensive plan was a catastrophe as the goals came in owing much to Madrid’s bargain-basement structure with Nacho and Militao unable to contain Aubemeyang and Dembele. All of the players were rotating positions in quick successions and neither of them got to cement and feel comfortable in their preferred places.

Defensive Overhaul?

“One swallow doesn’t make summer” but it has been some time now that Real Madrid’s defense has looked shaky and destitute when we need them to be at their best. Courtois was not at his best, yet still managed to pull off a few crucial saves to save Madrid from a bigger humiliation. Nacho and Carvajal looked like they were not even 50 percent ready for this match, whenever they chased the ball their pathetic pace operated against them resulting in a defensive failure. Giving away the ball at crucial areas of the pitch is what cost Real Madrid the Clásico. It should be loud and clear, “We need a defensive overhaul!”.

Not Over Yet!

While Real Madrid became the well-beaten side, they still have a 9 point lead at the top of La Liga Santander. It can be said that Ancelotti took this game on a low because of the lead but at the end of the day, it’s a Clásico and you need to get the three points out of it. It was also a test for Vinicius to show his capabilities in the absence of Karim Benzema but he failed to produce the magic he intended. Lastly, the Bernabeu has seen much worse nights than yesterday’s and Real Madrid have the character to bounce back from this debacle. The League is waiting for us!