The final El Clasico of the 2017/18 season ended 2-2 at the Camp Nou tonight. Real Madrid came back two times to share the spoils with the La Liga winners, Barcelona.
The Blaugrana broke the deadlock through Luis Suarez’s skilled volley towards the right post. Sergi Roberto found himself clear on the right with acres of space to exploit. He crossed in a sublime ball to pick out the Uruguay international. 1-0.
Madrid took advantage of a counter attack just minutes after the Barca goal to equalize. Toni Kroos picked out Karim Benzema on the far post who in turn laid it off for the onrushing Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1
As per usual El Clasico standards, the drama came knocking just minutes before the first half whistle. Sergi Roberto ended up getting sent off for an open-faced fist on Marcelo.
However, Barcelona looked anything but weak in the second half as they piled on the pressure by grabbing their second in the 52nd minute.
Lionel Messi succeeded in brushing aside two Madrid defenders to create space on his left. He squeezed in a powerful shot from the near post completely out of reach of Keylor Navas. 2-1
Gareth Bale answered back in the 72nd minute with an extraordinary finish. The Welshman decided to hit Marco Asensio’s without taking a touch – a perfect curler towards the far post. 2-2
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated on the night.
Andre ter Stegen – 7/10
Faced off with Ronaldo one-on-one and came out on top.
Sergi Roberto – 5/10
An absolute peach of a cross from the Spaniard for the first Barcelona goal. Ruined everything with a foolish tackle. Sent off.
Gerard Pique – 6/10
He was tested several times but did not disappoint entirely. He did surge ahead to help out on offence when required.
Samuel Umtiti – 6/10
Missed an open scoring opportunity.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Always looked threatening with his backdoor runs.
Sergio Busquets – 6/10
A masterful showing as usual from the veteran.
Andres Iniesta – 6/10
An emotional moment to see him play his last Clasico at the Camp Nou. Looked sharp with his touches to link up with Suarez and Messi for the attacks.
Ivan Rakitic – 6/10
Very clever with possession. Equally hard working on the defensive end.
Philippe Coutinho – 5/10
A very poor showing by the Brazilian. Never got off the mark and deservedly substituted off.
Luis Suarez – 7/10
A sublime volley from the striker got Barcelona their first goal. He was involved in a bit of a riff with Ramos which got both of them booked.
Lionel Messi – 9/10
Another classy showing from one of the world’s very best. He went past two of Madrid’s defenders to curl in the second goal.
Substitutes:
Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Very lively right from the start. Drilled in balls with high scoring opportunities.
Paulinho – 5/10
Solidified the Barcelona midfield but not as impactful as Iniesta.
