Atletico Madrid 4-0 Real Madrid: Atletico solid in central areas when defending and fluid to cause overloads out wide when attacking
The starting line-ups. Saul replaced Koke after 10mins.
This was the sixth Madrid derby of the season, and Atletico remain unbeaten in those matches. This was their most convincing performance to date.
Atletico selection
Diego Simeone made various changes having rotated for the win over Eibar the previous weekend, with the likes of Juanfran, Miranda, Arda Turan and Gabi all returning, but this was essentially returning to Atletico's standard first XI. There was an early blow, when Koke limped off, with Saul introduced in his place.
Real Madrid selection
Carlo Ancelotti was without both Pepe and Sergio Ramos, which meant Nacho played alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence. Marcelo was also out, so Fabio Coentrao played left-back, while James Rodriguez has joined Luka Modric on the sidelines. Cristiano Ronaldo returned after suspension.
Match summary
Atletico started at a ferocious pace, and took the lead early. From then, their counter-attacking game worked brilliantly with Real pushing players forward, and the result was never in doubt – the 4-0 scoreline is an entirely accurate reflection of the home side's dominance.
Atletico usual defensive shape
Without the ball, Atletico did everything we've come to expect- they are incredibly compact, both from back-to-front, and from side-to-side.
The forwards dropped goalside of Toni Kroos and meant all Atletico players were sometimes in their own third of the pitch, while the defenders started with a relatively high defensive line, which allowed the midfielders and attackers to press when necessary.
The wide midfielders also tucked in very tight, allowing Real's full-backs freedom when the ball was elsewhere – although Coentrao and Dani Carvajal were shut down quickly when the ball was played into them.
This was nothing new, but the discipline of the attacking players and the work rate of the entire side remains absolutely outstanding. Without the ball, Atletico are Europe's most impressive side by a considerable distance, and their overall shape remains the template others should look to follow.
Real struggle to work the ball forward
Real were in their usual 4-3-3 system, although there were interesting differences from their standard approach. The three forwards took up deep positions away from the Atletico centre-backs, as if attempting to make up the numbers in midfield and respond to Atletico's compactness. Real weren't overly compact themselves without the ball, but perhaps Ancelotti understood the dangers of them being, at times, 3 v 6 in midfield against Atletico's tight, narrow shape.
Ronaldo started narrow and then drifted wide to the flank when he couldn't find service, with Juanfran tracking him tightly. It meant Ronaldo was only ever likely to be receiving passes moving away from goal, rather than going towards it. Karim Benzema was equally quiet, while Gareth Bale moved to the touchline more readily and received passes from Carvajal,
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