Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings

Barcelona played hosts to Real Madrid at the Camp Nou tonight in a game that ad the potential to put La Liga to bed.

The game was cagey as one would expect, with Barcelona on the front-foot in the opening minutes. On another day, they would have probably found the goal early.

However, today was different as Vinicius’ cross hit Ronald Araujo’s head on its way into the net.

Fortunately, Sergi Roberto found a way through in the dying minutes of the first half after a few deflected crosses and shots.

Madrid were largely the better team in the second half, but a moment of brilliance from Lewandowski and Balde secured the winner for Barcelona as Franck Kessie tucked in the winner.

A 100th La Liga win! And in what fashion!

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7.5

Relatively untroubled with the goals, and incredibly accurate with his passing, ter Stegen had a fairly impressive game. Could do nothing about the goal.

Ronald Araujo: 7.5

Surprisingly had some trouble dealing with Vinicius Jr today, who looked sharper than before. Grew into the game, though, and defended like the exceptional player he is.

Jules Kounde: 8.5

Was everywhere in the defence, intercepting pretty much each and every chance coming towards ter Stegen. Put his body on the line when necessary as well, and as always, was top-notch with the ball-progression.

Andreas Christensen: 7.5

Did well when called on defensively, but was surprisingly uncomfortable on the ball at times. Acted as a pressing trigger for Benzema and co., but did not give anything away.

Alejandro Balde: 7

Could not make his trademark line-breaking runs tonight, and was stopped every time he tried to progress.

Got the goal-winning assist, eventually, with a spectacular assist to Kessie. Clutch.

Sergi Roberto: 8

Got the equaliser in the first-half, and put in a solid shift despite being a surprise selection in the XI. Created a chance or two, as well.

Sergio Busquets: 8

Defensively solid once again, and created two brilliant chances. Was clumsy on the ball for a bit, but one of the better players on the pitch tonight.

Frenkie de Jong: 8.5

Flawless in the build-up, de Jong was arguably the best midfielder on the pitch containing some of the biggest names in football. Created five chances, and made some solid recovery tackles, too.

Raphinha: 9

Easily the best player for Barcelona, running rampage on the right-wing. Missed a chance or two, but created a ton more.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

Took some questionable decisions, like attempting a bicycle kick while unmarked, and not playing through some passes. However, threatened with his movement and box presence much more than in previous games.

Eventually almost single-handedly created the goal with a sensational backhell to Balde who found Kessie in the box.

Gavi: 8

Unfazed in possession, finding his way through the Madrid midfield with some impressive runs. Was a defensive workhorse, too, pressuring Dani Carvajal into some turnovers.

SUBSTITUTES:

Franck Kessie: 8

Super-substitute Franck Kessie to the rescue for Barcelona, scoring the winner in the 92nd minute. Mammoth goal.

Ferran Torres: 6

Should have done better with his passing after coming on, had the chance to win it for Barcelona.

Ansu Fati: 6.5

Got a few minutes, but used them wisely, creating constant threat in the box with his movement and first-team actions.