Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona went toe-to-toe against Real Madrid tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to leave their ghosts from Inter Milan behind.

The stage was set, the Catalans had lined up with their best available XI, in their traditional garnet and blue. Within 12 minutes, though, their dream was hit with the first blow of the axe as Karim Benzema hit them on the break with the first goal.

Just when Barça were getting into the grove of the game, a moment of brilliance from Federico Valverde crippled them. The Uruguayan was found unmarked near the edge of the box, and with the form he is in, it was bound to be punished.

Eventually, after nearly 50 minutes of near-nothingness from Barcelona, Ansu Fati combined with Ferran Torres to create a compensation goal for the visitors.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, as Rodrygo was fouled by Eric Garcia in the last-minute of the game inside the box. The Brazilian converted it himself to put the game to bed.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6

Only so much one man can do.

Sergi Roberto: 3

Has not been up to the task defensively for nearly four seasons at this point. Started against arguably the best winger in the world, and was constantly punished for his lack of speed, positioning, and athleticism.

Jules Kounde: 5.5

Neither goals were particularly his fault, but he could have done a lot better dealing with Vinicius for the second goal.

Eric Garcia: 3

Terrible awareness for the second goal, heading the ball into Real Madrid’s path. Uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball, too. Capped off his outing by conceding YET ANOTHER penalty on Rodrygo.

Alejandro Balde: 4

Balde has been pressed out of the game by Valverde and Carvajal. Lost the ball multiple times, and looked oh-so-close to making a costly error. 18-year-old playing his first Clasico, though, so the nerves are understandable.

Frenkie de Jong: 6

Made a couple of decent runs to break Madrid’s press lines, but looked completely out of depth defensively. Him, along with the rest of the midfield, were completely missing for both goals. Looked much better after moving to defensive midfield, almost creating the winner, too.

Sergio Busquets: 2.5

There was no point starting Busquets tonight. He could not even catch up with Kroos as the German broke the counter for the first goal, and then was nowhere to be seen for the second. His pros no longer outweigh the cons.

Pedri: 5

Showed a bit of spark initially, but was unable to cope with Madrid’s midfield in the deeper areas of the pitch. Also needs to be held responsible for both goals as the hosts had tons of space to attack with Barcelona’s midfield missing.

Raphinha: 6

Quite literally the only Barcelona player who showed creative and offensive intent. Constructed inarguably the best chance of the game for Lewandowski, but was mostly hit-and-miss after that.

Robert Lewandowski: 4.5

Not much to write about Lewa today, except that he missed a sitter. Was contained quite comfortably after and before that.

Dembele: 5

Terrible decision-making from Dembele again, as he failed to release passes on time or make runs into channels. Looked livelier after moving to the right-wing, but it was too little, too late.

SUBSTITUTES

Ferran Torres: 7

Attempted a few different things after coming on, but none quite came off. Was in the right place in the right time to tap in Barcelona’s goal, though.

Gavi: 4

Added a bit more grit to the midfield, but Madrid’s midfield had the answers for him. Was close to being sent off, should count his lucky stars.

Jordi Alba: 5

Showed more attacking intensity than Balde.

Ansu Fati: 7.5

Fati came on with the intention of making a difference, and he achieved that brilliantly. Created Torres’ goal out of nothing with a fantastic run from the middle-third, and was so, so close to scoring on two occasions.

Franck Kessie: N/A

Came on too late to impact the game in any way.

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