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#3 Zinedine Zidane defeats Ronald Koeman in a tactical battle
Incredibly, Madrid's reactionary media had questions surrounding Zinedine Zidane's future if Los Blancos were to lose this game. The Frenchman is used to some of the most demanding fans in the world and backed his side to respond.
With Ronald Koeman initially surprising Madrid with Fati playing centrally, Zidane's defense initially suffered. Despite Nacho going off injured, Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio answered Zidane's call, with both players holding themselves back to deny Alba making his runs forward.
Madrid were full of running and kept their shape incredibly well, choosing their moments well to go forward. It's a far cry from the performances against Cadiz and Shaktar Donetsk, which is testament to how much Zidane can inspire his players, while also winning tactical battles under massive amounts of pressure.
Zidane has answered questions time and again - perhaps it's time for Madridistas to just trust the man.
#2 Sergio Ramos the man for the big occasion
Sergio Ramos has had his critics this season, but the Real Madrid captain is still one for the big games. The Spaniard had a few nervy moments against the pace of Ansu Fati but recovered as the game went on, bringing calm to the center of Madrid's backline.
In typical Ramos fashion, he ensured the referee was well aware of Clement Lenglet's tug on his shirt. VAR made the correct call, although the consistency of that application is in question. There wasn't much doubt when Ramos stepped up to convert the penalty - he's scored all of the last 25 penalties he's taken.
#1 Leo Messi's 'final' Camp Nou Clasico ends in tears
Given this is in all likelihood Lionel Messi's final season at Barcelona, it was a shame that his Camp Nou faithful were unable to watch him in an El Clasico one final time. Gerard Pique claimed the Camp Nou ought to be named after the Argentinian wizard ahead of this game, and Messi showed glimpses of why.
For all of Ronald Koeman's attempts to reduce Messidependencia, it was little Leo who was the Blaugrana's best player, with most of the attacks centered around him finding Alba down the left. It worked for the opening goal, but as Zidane rejigged his team to ensure Casemiro reprised his favorite role of marking Messi, the Argentinian's influence waned.
It's a sad end to what has been an incredible spell of Clasicos at the Camp Nou, and much like the treatment from his club's board, Messi deserves more.
