2. Inability to break through the defense

While Real Madrid attempted to control the whole game, Barcelona's defense was rather strong and difficult to penetrate. Even though Madrid did not easily let go of the ball, Barcelona ensured that the defense does not get weak even for a minute

Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, claimed to be "happy" with the team's performance in an interview, but his countenance suggested otherwise.

He continued by noting that Barca's defense did not make their transitioning play any simpler. Although there was some decent ball control, the crosses were accurate, and all of the defenders made sure that no one was even near scoring.

3. Madrid was unable to make possession count

Madrid supporters protesting outside the stadium before kickoff over Barcelona's payments to a former Spanish referees' supervisor created a tense environment.

Real clearly came out revved up, maybe still resentful of their lackluster performance in their opponents' Super Cup defeat in January.

Carlo Ancelotti's team can totally dominate any opponent when it gets its groove like Liverpool did last week, and in the early going, it appeared that may be the case.

In the second minute, Karim Benzema skillfully controlled and volleyed in a chipped Vinicius Jr. cross but was a yard offside due to the offside rule.

Federico Valverde's lofted attempt from the second half, which Marc-Andre ter Stegen stopped, was the closest the home team came to scoring an equalizer.

Madrid controlled possession until the very end, but they will need to close the gap at the home of their greatest rivals if they are to prevent Barcelona from pushing toward a domestic trophy quadruple.