Real Madrid and Ronaldo Find Form, but Squad Stars Are to Thank for El Derbi Win

Real Madrid displayed an enormous show of strength, quality and togetherness to take victory in the weekend's big match in La Liga, seeing off city rivals Atletico Madrid 3-0 at the Vicente Calderon in what is likely to be the final league meeting between the sides in the famous stadium.

Even though Real were top of the table heading into the game, there was a feeling Atleti could emerge triumphant as the league leaders had not been anywhere near their best of late and were carrying injuries. But the combination of a personnel mix-up, a solid tactical game plan and key players finding form made the difference for Los Blancos.

It was a thoroughly merited win that extended the gap between the sides to nine points—possibly already enough to write Atletico out of the title fight. And although hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo will deservedly win plaudits for scoring the goals that mattered, it was the names who more frequently spend time sidelined who were utterly key for Zidane's men in El Derbi Madrileno.

Isco

No discussion necessary here: This was Isco's finest performance of the season, and it came at a much-needed time.

While certain match commentators discussed Real lining up in different formations, as the game went on, Isco operated at the heart of what was clearly a 4-2-3-1, running the game from his No. 10 role with style, invention and, most importantly, an effective use of the ball.

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The amount of times he managed to find space behind Atletico's central-midfield pairing was simply incredible. As a result, Isco continually helped Real maintain possession in the first half, create more chances and look a more balanced outfit.

From defence transitioning to attack, Real always had an outlet either on the flanks—Lucas Vazquez and Gareth Bale—or through the middle, where Isco would dip in, run beyond or move laterally into the channels to allow the midfield to find him in space. Hardworking, a fast-pass option to initiate a counter-attack and utilising his vision and passing range to its greatest extent, Isco here made a big case for a spot in Real's strongest XI. That is if Zidane is willing to stick to one that doesn't involve the BBC attack every time.

Isco was the creative hub for his side, not just making the final pass before a shot but splitting open Atletico's rock-solid defence and providing a route to goal for his team-mates.

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He has been given a run of games in La Liga, and this was the litmus test as to whether he had taken his opportunity. It seems he has and will be tough to dislodge.

Nacho

Raphael Varane was admittedly excellent in defence, like Isco perhaps putting in one of his best games of the season, but he's expected to be that good—an heir apparent to a guaranteed starting spot when fit and a national-team captain.

Nacho, on the other hand, is fourth-choice centre-back, used when and where required and is generally scorned by some for being in the Spain squad only because he plays for Real Madrid rather than because he actually plays.

But Nacho was immense.

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Not a single foot wrong, no mistakes in possession and no easy gifts for the Atletico forwards to reap rewards from. And when those in midfield made errors, Nacho was invariably on hand to clear up the mess. Between them, the centre-backs were incredibly solid, focused and consistent, exactly what Zidane needed them to be. Nacho made six interceptions on the night, per WhoScored.com, double the amount of anyone else on the field.

He made brave blocks, was strong in the air when required and was measured in possession, calm and sure of himself.

Where Isco may have won himself a place in the team, Nacho has probably not; though he doesn't deserve to be pulled from the XI after this display, his status in the side is such that he'll be replaced as soon as Sergio Ramos, the club captain and one of the biggest names in the dressing room, is back to full fitness.

But before Ramos does take to the field, maybe he'll want to watch a video of this fixture and pay attention to Nacho's performance, for it was of a quality and consistency that the Real captain has failed to match for far too long.

Lucas

Chosen ahead of Marco Asensio and James Rodriguez, Lucas took up his place on the right wing and fully justified his inclusion on just his second start of the season.

While Isco was a menace going forward and helped the team structure attacks, Lucas' role was altogether different: help the defence, maintain shape and stop the fearsome Atletico left side of Yannick Carrasco, Filipe Luis and Antoine Griezmann from influencing the game.

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Lucas wasn't heavily involved in Madrid's attacking game—one cross, one shot and one key pass—but he tracked back relentlessly against Carrasco to stop him being an outlet, matched his man stride for stride with pace and work rate and ensured Dani Carvajal never had a two-on-one situation to defend.

It wasn't a memorable or flashy game from Lucas, but (aside from Bale, who has more to offer offensively) he was the only one in Zidane's squad who would have performed the role quite so well and with as much endeavour.

The coach deserves credit for his selection, but the winger shouldn't be overlooked for his important, industrious display.

Big Guns

Those three players have struggled on the fringes this season, even if Isco has come into the team recently. Each played a big part in a victory that was as much tactical as it was technical—but Madrid also leaned on their superstars to turn a point into three.

Bale was relentless with his driving runs forward, his pressure upfield and his willingness to get involved in midfield or even at full-back. Ronaldo, as the centre-forward, was right on the mark when needed. His hat-trick owed as much to his work rate as to his finishing touch—he won the penalty chasing a loose ball, and he made up 40 metres of ground to touch home his third goal from three metres out. The combination between the duo, even before that killer third strike, was impressive to witness.

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Varane was monstrous aerially, combating Atletico with a ferocity not seen from the Frenchman for some time, particularly noted in his running forward 10 metres and leaping to win a header that he powered upfield no fewer than another 30 that led to the penalty for 2-0.

Zidane got all his team choices right, and the players performed exactly as was required.

Now they both have a challenge: the coach to keep picking for a system, not for a set of players, and the individuals to maintain effort, intensity and quality against all opponents, not just their local rivals on the biggest of stages.

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