Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Key takeaways from the Derby

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 8, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 8, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid prepares to shoot past Lucas Hernandez of Atletico de Madrid to score his team’s first goal past during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 8, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid prepares to shoot past Lucas Hernandez of Atletico de Madrid to score his team’s first goal past during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 8, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /

Perhaps subbing Ronaldo was a mistake?

One can completely comprehend the idea behind Zidane substituting Ronaldo just after the hour mark. But was it a mistake?

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Even though the Merengues continued to press after his departure, they sorely lacked a leader inside the box; a commanding figure who would bury the chances flowing in.

Bale and Benzema naturally occupied the positions in the area leaving the fullbacks, especially Marcelo, to continue the delivery.

However, none could replicate the aerial prowess the Portuguese ace normally does.

Even Lucas Vazquez at one point, tried his luck by throwing himself in the air, but to no avail.

These were the moments where he could’ve made the difference again.

Or even perhaps, snatched a late victory. So, whether calling Ronaldo off was a right thing to do or not, is debatable.