BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID SLAMS

Since then, however, it has looked more like a handicap, with Spain's big two hitting unexpected obstacles along the course, their stealthy stride reduced to a tentative trot. And the top two trainers, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, really should have seen this coming.

After their impressive starts, Barca and Madrid hit problems on the first furlong. The Catalans were pegged back after going 2-0 up at Real Sociedad, having been two up after 12 minutes, and following a return to form in the stunning 8-0 win over Osasuna, Guardiola's side drew again at Valencia on Wednesday night. On both occasions, the champions started with a three-man defence away from home..
It's a system which has brought 13 goals without reply at Camp Nou, but has been exposed as a treacherous tactic on the road, especially when your defenders aren't actually defenders; Sergio Busquets was shown up against Real Sociedad, while Javier Mascherano was uncomfortable and overworked in Valencia. Both are central midfielders.