Luis Suarez Not the Issue as Real Madrid Show Barcelona Flaws Under Luis Enrique

There was only one topic of conversation prior to Saturday’s Clasico—would Luis Suarez be named in Barcelona’s starting line-up for the Clasico, or would he start on the bench?

In the end, Luis Enrique took a chance with the Uruguayan front man, but it was other team-selection decisions made by the Camp Nou head coach—more of which later—which, ultimately, cost Barcelona this game, and, with it, their previous unbeaten start to the La Liga season.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

After the match, the coach told the media he had no regrets about starting the player and Suarez certainly hit the floor running with an assist for Neymar to put "los cules" ahead, plus a cross which forced Lionel Messi to bring the best out of Iker Casillas.  Had that gone in, we might be writing a completely different story.

But it didn’t and what we are left with is the reality that this was an outclassed Barcelona who, until Saturday evening’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu, had flattered to deceive in La Liga.

Twice this season they have faced major tests—against Real Madrid on Saturday and PSG in the Champions League—and twice they have come up short.

All talk this season has been of a rebirth at the Camp Nou, a new transition. Seven players who took part in the 2011 Champions League final were named in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up. Where is the transition there? There were six aged over 30 in the line-up compared with two for Madrid.

Some players will feel Luis Enrique has not kept to his word.

One player making his Clasico debut was the unfortunate Jeremy Mathieu, a fine centre-back but completely out of his depth in the full-back role assigned to him.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Jordi Alba, and everything he brings to the party, was sacrificed for Mathieu, who was brought in to defend set pieces, although Pepe’s headed goal straight from a corner proved he couldn’t do that either.

But it would be unfair to blame just the unfortunate Mathieu, who admitted to have been surprised by his inclusion as full-back. In truth, the person most at fault has to be the manager himself, who because of inexperience, pressure or whatever, does not seem to have a clear idea of what system he wants to play.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Ivan Rakitic, who was bought by Barcelona effectively as representation of the "new-look"—a more direct team—found himself on the bench, while Xavi, who at the beginning of the season had been told he would get few chances this season, started.

Luis Enrique admitted to the press he wanted periods of long possession, but then proceeded to pick a team which could not provide it.

Suarez isn’t that kind of player, Xavi and Andres Iniesta don’t have the dynamism to do the high pressure required, while the rest of the team are not making enough runs from deep and there isn’t enough movement.

The result was a team which, after half an hour, did not seem to know what to do, how to defend or how to attack; effectively a team without a game plan, without a defined style.

Luis Enrique is going to have a major problem if he expects his front three to defend high, because it isn’t going to happen.

Those three forwards don't have it in them to start the defensive work with the continuity and intensity of the past. How will he solve it? Making everybody believe that without collective spirit, they won't beat the big teams.

They have not found the balance between possession and the quick transitions, and the only way the system can work is if they apply pressure high up the pitch, recover the ball quickly and create chances with few passes. When they can’t do that—as they couldn’t against PSG or Real Madrid—they will concede goals; they will lose.

Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, seems to have gotten it exactly right with the Real Madrid team he describes as the most professional side he has ever had.

Paul White/Associated Press

After a sticky start to the season, this was a side which took complete control with a width across the pitch provided largely by exceptional performances from full-backs Marcelo and Dani Carvajal. Isco showed an audience of 400 million viewers he has finally blossomed into the world-class player we all knew he could be.

Ancelotti took Isco to one side recently and told him not to run more, but to run better, more selectively, and it could prove to be the wisest piece of advice the young player has ever been given.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are also getting better and better with each game, moving the ball around brilliantly and starting counters. They are not the greatest defenders in the world, but what they lack in that department, they more than make up for with great attitude and positional intelligence.

Paul White/Associated Press

And then there's Karim Benzema—the extraordinarily hard-working, revitalised, revelation in the Madrid side—who is, ostensibly, a striker but is now establishing himself just as much as a provider for the glitterati who play around him. Finally, and not before time, the Frenchman is getting the respect and admiration due to him.

Would things have been different if Messi had converted Suarez’s cross to make it 2-0? The players, Luis Enrique and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta were as one in saying it marked a turning point in the game.

Maybe, but the fact remains Barcelona collapsed and got spanked. No one could ever say Real Madrid did not deserve this victory.

*All information and quotes sourced first-hand