By David Cartlidge (@davidjaca)

Luka Modric’s first half

Luka Modric had a scintillating Clasico for Real Madrid, and especially so in the first half. The Croatian proved why he's the best central midfielder in the world football right now with a performance of the highest level. Modric’s anticipation levels were particularly high, as he snuck in on no less than 12 occasions during the first half to recover possession for his team.

It was key in Real Madrid gaining control of the game, and in turn silencing the home crowd in this usually ferocious fixture. Modric was able to take the sting out of proceedings and gain control of the biggest game in world football in seemingly effortless fashion. High up the field or deep in front of his own penalty area, Modric read the game superbly and both destroyed opponent attacks and initiated several for his own team. Barca were unsettled by this, and with the help of Mateo Kovacic it was easier for Modric to stamp his authority on the game. Sergio Busquets in contrast, cut an isolated figure for the hosts.

Andres Iniesta’s second half

Barca regaining control was always going to hinge on the introduction of Andres Iniesta. Luis Enrique shocked some by leaving Iniesta on the bench to begin with, but there was always the option to throw the gifted midfielder in. And he did exactly that in the second half to devastating effect. After watching Modric control for the visiting side, Iniesta decided he wanted in on the action.

The Spaniard provided a double threat; bringing his own individual attributes and raising the game of those around him. Busquets was no longer pinned in deep unable to link play out of the backline without a focal point for his passes, while Lionel Messi could retain his influence higher up the field. Iniesta in typical fashion dragged his team back into the game by the scruff of the neck. Suddenly the game opened up as he slalomed his way through the white shirts and created opening after opening for Barca. Iniesta obviously wasn’t 100% fit, but it doesn’t matter. At 50%, he’s better than most.

Luis Enrique’s changes

It’s an issue that has concerned Barca fans for sometime, and in the biggest game of the season it reared its ugly head. Ivan Rakitic coming off instead of Andre Gomes was a perplexing move. The Portuguese had another forgetful game for Barca and you do wonder how many more chances he’ll be afforded. He’s being backed by his coach, but ultimately isn’t delivering. Rakitic could’ve worked in unison with Iniesta and asserted even more dominance.

Then, when Andre Gomes eventually did come off, it was for Arda Turan. The Turk coming into the game sent out the wrong message, and put Barca on the back foot with the game in their favor. Real Madrid jumped on this opportunity and swung it towards them, before they eventually pulled level. Ultimately, Arda’s main contribution to the game was giving away the free-kick with an idiotic foul that led to Real Madrid drawing level.

Barcelona’s wasted chances

Luis Enrique’s changes were bad, but they might’ve not mattered had two players in particular put away their chances. Lionel Messi and Neymar were both chief culprits, and spurned several opportunities to kill the game. Another day these two put every chance away, and Barça walks away with a 4-0 win.

But, it just wasn't their day - and that’s how football works sometimes. They will both wonder what if looking back, and perhaps it’s better to conclude the result of this game was more down to their wastefulness than anything else. Messi has not scored in last six Clasicos in all comps – the longest dry spell of his career - and he had a golden chance late on to clinch a win today.

Sergio Ramos and his late, late show

It’s that man again. Sergio Ramos popped up with another late winner, and just as Atletico Madrid fans were getting over the horror of Lisbon, the Spanish defender offers another reminder. However, this time it was Barcelona in the eye of Sergio’s late storm. The defender and his late goals are now becoming something of a legend in Spanish football and it shouldn’t be a surprise that he popped up here. Still, Barca will ask questions of themselves like how do you switch off on a player like Ramos, with his imperious record, and allow him to grab another important goal for his scrapbook.

Luis Enrique had his own say on matters after the final whistle, "It is very easy to give orders for set pieces, from where the coach is sat, but those who need to defend them are the players.” Basically the coach felt like he’d done all he could on the training ground, and his players were meant to meet him halfway when in the real game. They didn’t, and Barca drop some valuable points at the death.