Real Madrid's last night encounter versus Barcelona was the most promising this season. This seemed like a respectable El Clasico, with both teams battling evenly until the last whistle for the title on offer.
Los Blancos were more active, involved, and appeared to be more enthusiastic, particularly in the second half, but something fell short. Brahim made a little error that lost them the game and the trophy.
The game was tough to watch, especially because the squad shown character for the first time in a Clasico this season and yet lost. Barcelona were not as comfortable as in prior games, and it showed.
The battle was flawless, but the outcome was not so great. In the end, Barcelona won the third El Clasico of the season and the second final El Clasico, leaving Los Blancos empty-handed once more.
Real Madrid have one emerging player to look forward to
But it was Arda Guler who, in my perspective, drove a significant portion of the momentum in the second half. He was one of the top players on the pitch and had an immediate impact when he was substituted in.
He was just fantastic at set pieces, and even as a deep-lying playmaker, he handled the game exceptionally well. He remained in front of the defense and launched some of the more dangerous offensive sequences, driving the game's tempo.
Of course, his partnership with Luka Modric was also important in this. Modric occasionally covered, giving Guler the freedom to run forward and take risks in front of Barcelona's defense.
In the 65 minutes he played, the Turkish teenager made an important assist as Real Madrid equalized on the scoreboard, sending the game to extra time.
He won nine of the thirteen duels he contested, with a passing accuracy of about 70%. These statistics, however, do not convey the development he brought to Los Blancos in terms of confidence on the field.
In the latter stages of the second half, the team was something different. They defended fiercely, agitating Barcelona's defense many times. Guler (together with Modric) was involved in nearly all of these moves. He was intelligent and quick on his feet.
This time, Carlo Ancelotti made a fantastic substitute call; if he had known this earlier in the season, things would have turned out differently.
Arda Guler's performance last night shown that he should now be starting on a regular basis. He is no longer a young gun who has to be tested; he has shown himself on the greatest stages in the biggest games.
He is simply too talented on the ball, and his qualities must be fully utilized.