Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Spanish Super Cup, 5 Talking Points

#5 Zinedine Zidane's tactical brilliance needs acknowledgement

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Supercopa de Espana: 1st Leg

Zinedine Zidane outfoxed Ernesto Valverde over two legs, and it's no small feat given the Madrid boss had to rejig his starting XI. Casemiro, Isco and Gareth Bale were rested despite being fit, with Zidane opting for players that would afford him more mobility.

Madrid's 4-3-3 tonight was very different to their usual fare - Zidane usually is fine sitting back, but with Kovacic enabling fast transitions, added to Lucas and Asensio offering dribbling options on the wings, Madrid swarmed around Barcelona and overwhelmed them - this was easily Real Madrid's best performance in a Clasico under Zidane.

What's frightening to the rest of the sides in La Liga and in the UEFA Champions League is the ease with which Zidane's side is able to switch between different formations and tactics. The players never look ill-at-ease or out of place, and it'll be hard to find a team that can stop this juggernaut.

Zinedine Zidane has competed in 9 competitions since becoming Real Madrid boss; he's won 7 trophies. ?That's an incredible 77.7%. ? pic.twitter.com/XHG6osm9Py

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 16, 2017