COMMENT: Carlo Ancelotti got it all wrong in a
damaging derby defeat which raises serious question marks over the
Italian's tactical approach in the fixture they now cannot win
Not so long ago, Real Madrid ruled the roost in this fixture. For a period of almost 14 years, Atletico simply could not win a derby, but Diego Simeone's side have now emerged victorious in four of the last six - and the Rojiblancos exposed Madrid's soft centre in what was a brutal beating on Saturday.
Madrid may have been missing some of their first-choice players, but the Liga leaders still boasted a side assembled at a far greater cost than that of the home team - and they also welcomed back Cristiano Ronaldo from his recent suspension.
As he awaited news of his ban, the Portuguese told friends he was desperate to feature in this match - but he may have wished he had sat it out altogether after another wretched performance against Simeone's side.
Ronaldo has planned a big birthday bash in the Spanish capital to mark his 30th on Saturday night, but he is unlikely to be in much of a party mood after this match.
In the build-up to the game, former Madrid defender Paco Pavon told Goal that Ancelotti would try something different after recent derby disappointments and warned his former side to beware the ghosts of previous meetings, especially if Atletico scored first.
His words turned out to be almost premonitory in the end and whatever it was Ancelotti did try, it certainly did not work.
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