In the absence of some of Real Madrid's leading lights, fringe players Isco, Nacho, Mateo Kovacic and Lucas Vazquez delivered a performance of real magnitude on the biggest of stages. Much to the delight of Zinedine Zidane, the quartet, called upon by the Frenchman in his hour of need, showed a remarkable propensity to take on responsibility and deliver in a high-profile scenario. Without a LaLiga win in three seasons against their city rivals, Los Blancos had Isco and Co. to thank, alongside hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo, for stellar performances in the 3-0 victory. Playing in his preferred attacking midfield role behind Ronaldo, Isco served up a reminder that, on his day, he has the class to make a difference for his team. In a display that oozed vision, confidence and above all, quality, the ex-Malaga man excelled to such an extent that it will be hard to drop him when others return. Elsewhere, academy product Lucas Vazquez reinforced his status as Los Merengues' lucky charm with a superb display on the wing that featured defensive nous to limit Filipe Luis' influence as well as direct running on the counter. In 17 games as a starter, Real's record with Vazquez in the side reads 15 wins and two draws. Quite simply, he has become a talismanic figure for the club.
Kovacic, meanwhile, again rose to the challenge of replacing a high-profile Real Madrid midfielder; this time in Toni Kroos. His partnership with Luka Modric was crucial in helping the visitors gain a foothold against Gabi and Koke, while his individual performance again hinted at his vast potential in the role moving forward. At the back, Nacho formed a formidable pairing with Raphael Varane in the face of real adversity. It's telling that even without Sergio Ramos and Pepe, Real didn't encounter any serious problems against an attack as potent as Atleti's. That the quartet stood up to be counted when Zidane needed it most will be of immense satisfaction to the Los Blancos coach, who must now surely know he has a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
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