Carlo Ancelotti's tactics for the derby were similar to those he employed at both the Camp Nou and then in Munich last season.
Break the deadlock and then sit deep, inviting the opposition to go in search of a goal, and then take advantage of the space they leave at the back and hit them on the counter-attack.
The only thing missing from the Italian's plan on the night was a goal. Laying siege to Atlético's area in the first half was exactly what Los Blancos' coaching staff had meticulously planned out on paper.
The atmosphere at the Vicente Calderón should have seen Simeone and co. come out of the blocks quicker, but it was Real Madrid who started the game stronger. Bale's chance was reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo's at the Camp Nou. It would have been a different story had Los Blancos taken the lead.
Ancelotti, restricted by the club's financial and footballing model, has very little room to manoeuvre. The BBC play no matter what, and that dictates the rest of his system. It means using a formula based around taking the lead and then sitting deep to take advantage of the space left by the opposition at the back.
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