Real Madrid earned the El Clasico bragging rights following a convincing 4-1 win in Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Los Blancos' plan was clear from the outset — keep your shape and hit them on the break with the pace of Vinicius and Rodrygo. Barcelona might've known this but they just couldn't stop it or they had no plans to. Even worse, they played right into Real Madrid's hands.
Xavi set up his defence to play a high line and catch Real Madrid forwards in their offside traps. But that plan came crashing inside the first 10 minutes.
First, Bellingham unlocked Vinicius who ran through and rounded the keeper for 1-0. Then it was Rodrygo's turn to have a free run at goal.
Barcelona defended like schoolboys on that occasion as they tried to set an offside trap for a player who was still in his own half.
Rodrygo must've said 'thank you' as he raced into the final third to find his strike partner in the far post. 2-0 and easy!
After Vini's penalty to make it 3-1, Real Madrid would find more joy in the second half toying with Barca's shaky defence.
For the fourth goal, it was the three amigos causing all the havoc again. Vini running into the channel and forcing the error that allowed Rodrygo to get on the scoresheet. He was looking to find Bellingham with a pass.
Carlo Ancelotti's men could've easily scored five or six on the day with the level of pace, intensity and ruthlessness they showed. but 4-1 would do just fine.
Here's a lineup that highlights Real Madrid's biggest strength in their win against Barca. Of course, it features hat-trick hero Vinicius.
Everyone knows that this is how Real Madrid will set up to attack but most teams simply can't stop them.
