Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 0-3 against Barcelona in Copa del Rey El Clasico

Real Madrid got knocked out of the 2018-19 Copa del Rey after a 0-3 loss against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Los Blancos completed a good overall performance yet a sloppy Barcelona without the best version of Lionel Messi managed to advance to the Final. That’s not a good look for Solari and his men.

1. In the end it was Vinicius-Vazquez-Benzema vs Dembele-Messi-Suarez. Make no mistake. Benzema, Vazquez and Vinicius have been playing well this season, but they can only take you so far. It might be obvious that Bale, Isco and Asensio are not in good form and don’t deserve to start, but Solari should’ve probably done something in order to get the best out of those three players as they would increase Madrid’s odds.
2. Reguilon is a real asset for the future. If you weren’t a believer after the performance he completed at the Wanda Metropolitano against Atletico de Madrid, this young player showed you that he should probably be regarded as a starting-caliber left back in the future. He contributes offensively -even had one of Madrid’s best chances to score- while also helping a lot defensively. A true player.
3. Vinicius shouldn’t be the one leading this team. This is Vinicius’ first season in elite football and he’s Madrid’s most important player on offense. That’s not right, it’s not fair to him and it doesn’t make sense. The kid is brilliant and will be an undisputed starter for years to come, but right now he lacks the experience and decision making —that will come with time— to be decisive for a team expecting to compete for all three titles.