In a stunning result in La Liga, Barcelona came away 4-0 victors against Real Madrid to earn their first El Clasico win since 2018/19 and put a stop to Los Blancos run of five wins in a row.
Two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sandwiched strikes from Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres as the Catalan giants put in a comfortable display against Carlo Ancelotti's side. The La Liga leaders were without Karim Benzema for the visit of the Catalan giants and Madrid's Italian coach made sure to take the blame for the defeat due to his preparations.
He said: "My strategy has not been good. It didn't get a very good result. I don't know, that's all. I have not made a good strategy in trying to defeat Barca. Barca have played better than we have played and they deserved the victory.
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"It's not a problem to take on the responsibility, because I didn't prepare for the game correctly. Sometimes you do it correctly, sometimes you don't. I failed in this game, but I'm not making a drama out of it. It's a defeat, yes. We know how important it is to win a game against Barca, especially for the supporters. We are very sorry, but we have to keep working, move forward and to prepare our game over the next couple of weeks."
When Real Madrid return from the international break they take on Celta Vigo before their trip to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. As such, last night's match should be a good learning opportunity for Thomas Tuchel's team. football.london have taken a look at what the Blues may have learned.
No easy solution without Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has been in imperious form for the La Liga side this season, recording 32 goals and 13 assists in just 34 matches. Anyone would miss that kind of influence. What was telling against Barcelona, however, is that Ancelotti did not opt for a like-for-like replacement.
The likes of Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz were left on the bench as Ancelotti hoped something more fluid would pay dividends with Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde all starting the game. Los Blancos had opportunities but could only direct four on target and failed to get on the scoresheet.
Jovic, Mariano, Asensio, Isco and Gareth Bale have deputised when the French forward has been absent this term with no goals to show for their efforts. However, the Italian coach seems confident Benzema will return in time for the trip to west London in the Champions League on April 6.
He said: "I think with Benzema, he has had his injuries this season at the right moments and I think it’s the same here. We now have two weeks for him to recover because of the international break, which means he’ll come back strong for the business end of the season.”
Dealing with Benzema is a tough task but with Chelsea's three central defenders able to guard most movements, they will hope to push Real Madrid into their less preferred options. With only Celta Vigo to come before the Champions League clash, getting the Frenchman to full fitness will also be difficult. Chelsea will hope to take advantage.
Nacho at left-back
The injury to Ferland Mendy caused another issue for Ancelotti, but what was curious for many was to see Nacho, more comfortable in the heart of defence, start on the left and David Alaba retain his place as a centre-back. Ahead of the match Ancelotti said, regardless of his position Nacho produces a 'top performance'. That was put to the test.
The Spanish defender had his work cut out against Ousmane Dembele and then Adama Traore and it wasn't uncommon to see him get left rooted to the spot. Dembele in particular found himself in one-against-one situations, and produced an impressive run and cross to supply Aubameyang for the opening goal.
With Chelsea's forward talents, it is an area they will look to target if Nacho remains in the side following the international break.
Replicating Dembele's success
Chelsea's forwards have finally started to find some flow this season, with the likes of Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount all finding goal involvements since the turn of the year. There is fluency in their attack and, admittedly against weaker opposition, showed they could target the opposition's left side against Middlesbrough.
Pulisic has seen successful with well-timed runs into the box on the left, while Ziyech's magic has often come cutting in from the right but in their current form, both will feel confident in any 1v1 situations they are placed in, while the movement between the front three or four Tuchel opts for could see Alaba dragged out of position as he was against Barcelona to leave the space behind Nacho vulnerable.
Given the transfer talk in January, perhaps replicating Dembele's success at Stamford Bridge could be on the minds of some too. While his attacking talent was on full show, there remained elements you feel Tuchel would not stand for as the French winger did not track back well and gave the ball away as the game went on. Though, perhaps it should be expected he flags given his lack of football in recent seasons.
Don't underestimate the midfield and expect the unexpected
It's clear to see why Tuchel's standards around retaining possession are so high, even in a comfortable victory, when it can dictate success against the very best. Barca boss Xavi cited it as the easiest way to nullify Los Blancos' talents.
N'Golo Kante proved his importance against the Spanish giants last season, because, with the likes of Luka Modric, they have so much talent on the ball that ball recovery becomes crucial as much for attacking as defending. Barcelona generated much of their success in this way. Attacking those transitions quickly is something the Blues haven't always done often enough but often achieve plenty of success when they do.
These building blocks will be helpful because it is difficult to predict how Real Madrid will line up. Ancelotti prides himself on choosing the best style for the players he has available. That did not work on Sunday, but it is unlikely the former AC Milan and Chelsea boss' confidence will be dented for long.
Chelsea can win at the Bernabéu
The comprehensive victory was just Real's first home defeat of the season in La Liga. It will no doubt have diminished the league leaders' aura, despite the side still being nine points clear at the top of the table. The Spanish side have already tasted defeat at home in the Champions League when Sheriff Tiraspol sprung a surprise.
It just serves as a welcome reminder that Chelsea won't be simply playing for a draw, though they will have the benefit of knowing the result from the first leg too. But when put under pressure, Madrid can be defeated at the Bernabéu too.
