Both managers made surprise selection decisions upfront, but Barcelona’s line-up worked better.
Gerardo Martino left out both Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez, naming Cesc Fabregas as one of his three attackers.
Carlo Ancelotti omitted Karim Benzema and brought Gareth Bale into the side. Daniel Carvajal started at right-back, and three nominal three centre-backs were used: Pepe,...
Read more »
Despite losing the contest, Antonio Conte can arguably draw more positives from this match after his side performed impressively with ten men.
Carlo Ancelotti selected a 4-3-3 system for the second time this season, with Gareth Bale and Isco both on the bench. Iker Casillas returned in goal.
Conte went for a 4-5-1 system with Claudio...
Read more »
Atletico Madrid went ahead early at the Bernabeu, and then created much better chances.
Carlo Ancelotti felt Gareth Bale wasn’t ready to make his first home start, instead using Angel Di Maria on the right. Asier Illaramendi partnered Sami Khedira in the centre.
Diego Simeone has rotated his midfield well this season – here Raul Garcia...
Read more »
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid triumphed at the Bernabeu in a hard-fought, scrappy contest.
Simeone brought Diego Costa back into the Atletico side and turned to a three-man central midfield, with Falcao upfront alone.
Jose Mourinho used Mesut Ozil out on the right flank and Luka Modric in a three-man midfield, while Karim Benzema got the nod...
Read more »
Real Sociedad opened up a five-point gap in the race for fourth place.
Philippe Montanier brought in Alberto de la Bella for the injured Liassine Cadamuro at left-back, Asier Illarramendi returned after suspension, but Antoine Griezmann was banned so Gonzalo Castro played on the left.
From the side that thrashed Malaga 5-1, Ernesto Valverde brought Ricardo...
Read more »
