For all of 20 minutes, Real Madrid were in paradise. A game that was a must-win to give them any chance of a late LaLiga title charge, it looked like Carlo Ancelotti had masterminded a plan that would work - and it did, until it absolutely didn't.
Despite the sharp finishing of Kylian Mbappé, Real completely collapsed against Barcelona late in the first half and continued to do so for most of the second - with this defeat, Real's season is very much over and it has ended in misery that many have expected for much of this season.
1. Kylian Mbappé deserved better than this
There wasn't much more that Kylian Mbappé could have done for Real Madrid against Barcelona, he scored a hat-trick and looked to be the biggest threat within the team each time they attacked. With five goals in his debut season against Barcelona, Mbappé has really grown at Los Blancos after his difficult start and deserves full credit for it.
The Frenchman continues to set records too - breaking the debut season goal record, surpassing Ivan Zamarano, whilst also being the first player to score a Clasico hat-trick since Zamarano too. On an individual basis, he has shown what he can do and there is certainly a feeling that he can still deliver even more.
Whilst he will end the season with no major honours, he seems to be in a good position to pick up the Pichichi award with a solid foundation on which he can continue to build, as Real look to be headed in a new direction in regards to the coaching staff this summer.
It may be immediate pain for Madridistas, but there is no doubt that under a much needed new direction that Mbappé will both spearhead and be a decisive part in what will be an exciting new era which is likely to be under Xabi Alonso.
2. A brutal end to the story
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid resumé is untouchable, a long list of honours and plenty of beautiful memories created - but this season has been a brutal end to a story which deserved better than this. In another universe, the Italian would walk away with his head held high and honours in tow, instead he leaves to loud criticism and humiliation.
Alongside Ancelotti, there is the seemingly likely exit of Lucas Vazquez this summer too. The Spaniard who has always been an able deputy has been exposed in the worst possible way this season, consistently beaten on the biggest of stages and left looking a shell of a player.
For a player who was often praised for stepping in and stepping up, the winger turned fullback can also point to being left out to dry by the coaching staff - given there has been little interest in trying alternative ideas to help cover for his decline. But if it wasn't already apparent, this game all but sealed that he is no longer good enough to be anywhere near the starting XI for games this big next season.
Another player who is staring down at a potential exit is Luka Modric. Arguably the greatest midfielder in the history of the club, there is a growing questions on whether or not it is best to move on from the legendary Croatian in favour of trusting the younger talents on the rise.
However, for a player with his decorated legacy - it seems a shame that his last Clasico appearances this season has seen his side humiliated and winless. Although, he did show some sparkles of quality today, it ultimately was in vein - but his drop of the shoulder on Pedri to sit him down may go down as a small win, silver linings.
3. Vinicius Jr will be back
The current case of Vinicius Jr highlights everything about how modern football is as a climate, a year ago Real Madrid fans were lauding their Brazilian star - the best player in the world, the franchise star, this was his team. Fast forward 12 months, after a run of poor form and it feels as if large sections of Los Blancos supporters have turned their back on the 24-year-old.
Vini endured quite a mixed bag against Barcelona, whilst he picked up two assists - he also had moments that had the fans up in arms over his decisions. Failing to play in passes, heavy touches and holding the ball for too long at times - a running theme for the Brazilian in recent months, who seems to be far from his devastating best.
However, this is perhaps the first time since his first real breakout season that he has really endured this sort of drop in form - and yet he has still put up 34 G/A this campaign, a more than respectable return in a 'down season.'
He has shown in moments this season, that he is still very much amongst the best in the world when he is on-form. Vini boasts more than enough quality to bounce back and there is every reason to believe that he will bounce back, like many in the team - the introduction of a new coach could be hugely beneficial to his return to prominence.