5 things learned from Real's loss to Barca

(Baonghean.vn) - Squawka magazine analyzed 5 professional factors drawn from the top match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

1. Zidane failed with Bale calculation

Zidane had to replace Bale early because this player's injury was beyond the Real coach's expectations. Photo: Internet

Gareth Bale recovered from his ankle injury in time to play in El Clásico, but he was still not fully fit and Zidane surprised everyone by starting him. The Real Madrid coach had bet on his presence to cause a shock for Barcelona, ​​but the Welshman was forced off in the 39th minute.

When on the pitch, Bale had 0/1 successful challenges, only made 10 passes, 7 successful and did not create any dangerous chances. Madrid should have used Marco Asensio, who has been in better form recently.

2. Luis Enrique's flexibility in squad arrangement

Coach Luis Enrique is quite skillful with his tactics. Photo: Internet

This season, Barcelona's coach has been quite bold in experimenting with tactics. In March, Luis Enrique used a 3-3-1-3 formation, but then switched to a 4-3-3. And last night against Real, it was a 4-4-1-1 formation.

When they lose the ball, things are simpler. Messi and Suarez play as the highest midfielders in front of the four midfielders. Paco Alcácer is a striker but plays as a left winger. And that's when Barcelona play a 4-4-2.

This is not unusual but very unique. When Messi plays as a playmaker, Paco Alcácer and Luis Suárez are the two spearheads. Suarez is not effective and Paco is not able to make a breakthrough but is a stepping stone that helps Messi have a lot of space.

3. Messi is the difference

Map redrawing Messi's movements in the first goal. Photo: Internet

Although Messi has not scored a single goal in El Clásico matches for 3 years, and 180 minutes against Juventus in the Champions League, this player has not scored. But this match is different.

Despite receiving an elbow from Marcelo in the mouth and bleeding profusely, Messi still played like a real superhero. On the field, Messi created his own chances, successfully intercepted the ball 7/11 times, had 4/6 shots on target and scored 2 goals. A player who made the difference in the match!

4. Real Madrid's squad depth

James Rodriguez played 105 matches, scored 70 goals but still sat on the bench... Photo: Internet

Zidane has a squad full of quality players. And when needed, Marco Asensio is a suitable replacement for Bale when he is injured. And then when the Real coach realises that Casemiro is in danger of being sent off, he brings on Mateo Kovacic instead.

And finally, the French tactician showed his managerial talent by bringing on James Rodríguez while the equally excellent Isco and Alvaro Morata were on the bench. Before Messi scored, Real were still in control of the game and this reflected the quality of the squad.

5. Pace of play & excellence of goalkeepers

Barca goalkeeper Stegen had a hard day at work at Bernabéu... Photo: Internet

This was supposed to be a great match as both teams played an open game and didn’t have to worry about ball control. Both coaches wanted to play fast, with lots of movement and quick counter-attacks.

Therefore, the match recorded an average speed of 500 miles per hour. In particular, the excellence of the goalkeepers on both sides must be mentioned. The finishing opportunities of Luis Suárez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gerard Piqué, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric all failed when these two goalkeepers moved in time to cover.

Stegen's attacking moves in this match. Photo: Internet

Trung Kien (translator)

(Source: Squawka)