Theatrics, narratives, chaos - those are three words that certainly fit everything about this El Clasico, from the build-up to the game itself as it happened. Whilst this was certainly the closest Clasico that we have witnessed this season, the result slipped out of Real Madrid's hands and essentially killed off the remaining hope of a bright moment in the season.
From the politics in the build-up, to the moments of quality shown on the field followed by moments of headloss and disgrace - it feels as if Real's 2024/25 season has ended with an expected whimper as opposed to a thudding bang, as the curtain on Carlo Ancelotti seems to be ever closer to dropping.
1. Real Madrid handled the whole week horrifically
Before the game had even kicked off, there were rampant reports of Real Madrid's displeasure with the referee selection for this game - which in hindsight, looks a little ironic in the aftermath. Cancelled training sessions, abandoned press conferences and perpetual moaning through the press dominated the build-up and eventually spilled over in the closing moments of the game with scenes of hideous nature from the Real Madrid bench.
Spanish officiating is often criticised and rightfully so, with constant questionable decisions and moments dominating the league across the country. Whilst feeling aggreived is perfectly fine, the approach from Real Madrid and specifically RMTV has been embarassing throughout the season and particularly in the pre-game dramas that ensued this week.
However, when the team has been as consistently average as Real Madrid have been this season - it is hard to feel that these said cries look more like an act of desperation and distraction from the bigger problem at hand. If Real were playing well and being wronged by decisions, you can forgive the approach taken but when the results aren't there and the displays don't match, it is hard to not feel like more energy should be invested in fixing that than pointing the finger at anything and everything else.
Beyond that, the image of the club also takes a hit when this sort of behaviour is shown, the bench reacting the way they did will do no favours in endearing Real to the wider world - instead they will be viewed, and deservedly so, as spoilt children who have exploded because they didn't get their own way and couldn't handle themselves in the pressure moments.
2. Aurelien Tchouameni deserves A LOT of credit
Four months ago, Aurelien Tchouameni was booed in the Bernabeu - fast forward to this game, and he was amongst the few Real Madrid players who genuinely should be absolved of any and all criticism after putting in a monstrous performance in all facets of the game.
Whilst Jude Bellingham will be getting plenty of plaudits, and rightly so - people should not sleep on just how good Tchouameni was for Real Madrid. The French international dominated in midfield, winning nine of 13 duels, making four clearances, two interceptions, two recoveries and thumped a header in to get his team on the scoresheet. Pair this with the fact he also did a stint in the backline, he thrived wherever he was asked to play.
Tchouameni played a huge part in Los Blancos' recovery into this game and may well have put up his best performance in a Real Madrid shirt, a far cry from the player who was being hounded by his own fans and seeing his name linked in the media with an exit from the club. Madridistas finally got a full showing of the dominant force in midfield that they signed from Monaco, should he carry this on - Real will be very well set going into the next season.
3. The pain of letting go
Seeing eras end and players you've loved for so long leave is a painful process, and it is one Madridistas have endured quite frequently in recent years - it may not be ending any time soon either. As there are some players within the Madrid ranks who will be saying goodbye this summer, and some who are still being debated but perhaps ripping off the bandaid may be the best thing.
Starting with a more divisive character, Lucas Vazquez hasn't had the best of times as of late, particularly this season - where his decline in ability has been shown all the more after an injury to Dani Carvajal earlier on in the campaign.
Lucas, similarly to players like Nacho, has never been a world class standout - but what he has been is an available deputy every time he is called upon. Every squad needs a player like Lucas, someone who won't bring an ego but will perform to their best and allow the stars to shine brighter.
Despite his recent shortfalls, Lucas should be allowed to leave with a glowing reputation - a loyal servant who had the guts to step up in a penalty shootout in a Champions League final first and walk up to the spot nonchalantly spinning the ball on his finger like he was playing in the park. He isn't perfect, but he has been effective.
One departure which certainly will shatter Los Blancos hearts however is that of Luka Modric, his contract expires in June and talks of a renewal have been ongoing but nothing seems to have been made official as of this writing.
Quite easily the greatest midfielder this club has ever seen, his legacy is unrivalled and whilst he still has plenty of quality - Arda Guler's recent showings in midfield have posed the question: should Real move on from the Croatian icon and give the Turkish upstart his minutes? The answer may be a bit more clear cut than people will want to accept.
For all of Modric's brilliance, it is undeniable that Guler has now shown the quality to takeover and take the proverbial keys. He was excellent against Getafe and he also showcased it against Barcelona again, coming off the bench to set up Tchouameni from the corner and looking assured on the ball throughout his cameo.
All good things must come to an end, and whilst it would be tough to see two players who have forged considerable paths at Real - the club is well placed to move on and begin a new chapter.