Real Madrid: 4 takeaways from a third straight El Clasico triumph

Lucas Vazquez’s injury looms large

Lucas Vazquez has been a revelation for Real Madrid this season. He isn’t a true right back and can sometimes be exposed as such in the Champions League by making certain positioning errors, but he more than makes up for his shortcomings with a whole lot of hard work. Vazquez is one of those guys a championship team needs to have in the squad, and he’s stepped up his contributions big time in 2020-2021 due to his versatility at right back.

Dani Carvajal had to miss another big game, and Vazquez was there to ably fill his shoes against Barcelona. That is, until he suffered an injury after both he and Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets slid in for a loose ball.

Vazquez tried to continue, but he had to be subbed off in the 42nd minute for Alvaro Odriozola, who has not been nearly as effective as Vazquez this season.

Although the injury didn’t cost Real Madrid any points in El Clasico, Madridistas are going to be nervous about Vazquez’s status until they hear more. He has been vital to the club this season.

Meanwhile, Fede Valverde may also be injured. He helped create the first goal and nearly scored a third, hitting the post. Valverde is a real big-game player for Los Blancos, even if he isn’t a full-time starter. Hopefully, he and Vazquez are both OK.