Santiago Solari has created history tonight by becoming the first Real Madrid manager to lose two back to back Clasico’s in a few decades. The Whites have once again stumbled to a poised and sharp Barcelona side, with a 0-1 victory to their credit.
Ivan Rakitic found the back of the net in the 26th minute of the game and that turned out to be the only difference between the two sides when referee Udiano Mallenco blew the full-time whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the first goal, Barcelona always seemed in command of proceedings. Los Blancos tried relentlessly post going down a goal, but unfortunately for them, it was all in vain. Solari made two quick second-half changes in the span of minutes when Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos were taken off to be replaced by Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde respectively.
This win has put Barcelona in commanding position to lift the Primera Division trophy with a staggering 12 point gap between the two sides.
Here’s how we at T4O feel Real Madrid fared in their defeat to Barcelona.
Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian was instrumental in keeping the scoreline down to 0-1. Courtois made a lot of crucial saves throughout the game. The keeper looked sharp on the night, was even quick to come off his line whenever necessary. The Ivan Rakitic goal was something which seemed way beyond Courtois.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Put in a hard shift down the right flank and even seemed to have Dembele under his control today.
Raphael Varane – 7/10
The Frenchman performed well this evening despite picking up a gruesome injury in the last Clasico.
Sergio Ramos – 6/10
Once again the name responsible for allowing that sort of space to Rakitic which ultimately led to a goal. The captain could have done way better with tracking the run the Croatian had made.
Sergi Reguilon – 8/10
Another start, another impressive performance to his credit. Reguilon has become a consistent performer irrespective of the opposition.
Luka Modric – 6/10
Had a below-par game, a huge cause of concern for Santiago Solari.
Casemiro – 8/10
The Brazilian had a good outing. Casemiro acted as constant support to the back-line of Real Madrid.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Kroos had a poor evening when compared to his standards. Was replaced by Federico Valverde shortly after the second half began.
Gareth Bale – 7/10
Given the nod ahead of Lucas Vasquez for this fixture; the Welshman failed to make much of a difference to the game.
Karim Benzema – 7/10
The number nine had too less to feed on during the entire ninety minutes. Had a direct shot at goal from outside the box which was comfortably saved by Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
Vinicius Junior – 8/10
Vinicius enjoyed his evening like always and even attracted a lot of eyeballs in the process. With all the Samba skills he performs on the field of play, he does need to work on final balls as well as shooting. The future seems to be in safe hands for all the Madridistas.
Substitutes
Federico Valverde – 7/10
Was given around 30 odd minutes or so by Santiago Solari. The youngster was rather stable and composed against the likes of Messi, Suarez and Co.
Marco Asensio – 7/10
Replaced Gareth Bale in the second half and tried to keep things ticking for Madrid. He does not seem fully match fit.
Isco Alarcon – 6/10
Made his return from injury and probably received the biggest round of applause from the Bernabeu on the night. Did not have much participation on the field post coming on.
