Referee Sanchez Martinez blew the full-time whistle and bought an end to Real Madrid’s miserable night. Barcelona have advanced to the final of the Copa del Rey following a 0-3 victory at Real’s den, Santiago Bernabeu.
The El Clasico was a game of two halves, with Real failing to capitalise in the first 45 minutes. Santiago Solari’s men more or less dominated proceedings in the first half. However, Los Blancos failed to find the back of the net courtesy of a spirited performance from Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
Real’s tactic of man-marking Dembele seemed to be working on fleek only until it lasted. The Frenchman was instrumental in two of Barcelona’s three goals. It’s difficult to understand why Solari adopted such a tactic which left the proven and precise Jordi Alba all by himself on the Barcelona left flank.
Barcelona, on the other hand, capitalised on each of their opportunities in the second half. The second goal killed Madrid’s chances of advancing in the prestigious Copa del Rey competition. Whereas, the third panenka goal at the penalty spot from Luis Suarez seemed to be the icing on the cake.
The Whites do have a shot at seeking revenge for the defeat when the two sides again meet on Saturday evening in a La Liga match-up.
Here’s how we at T4O feel Santiago Solari’s men fared in their rather humiliating defeat the hands of Barcelona.
Keylor Navas – 6/10
The Costa Rican shot-stopper remained the least troubled keeper for the first half of the game following which was a period where he could have barely done anything about the goals.
Dani Carvajal – 5/10
Carvajal indeed failed in man-marking Ousmane Dembele who was majorly involved in two of Barcelona’s goal. Did not feel like his day in attack either, with several poorly attempted crosses.
Raphael Varane – 6/10
Scored an own goal, but it would be a bit too harsh to put the entire blame on him.
Sergio Ramos – 5/10
A poor display from the captain, who for sure did not lead the side through example. Was caught out of position on a handful of occasions.
Sergi Reguilon – 8/10
One of the few positives for Solari to take back from this horrendous El Clasico for Madrid. Reguilon was a continuous threat down the left flank. The Spaniard also made sure that Marcelo’s absence was not felt.
Luka Modric – 6/10
Had a very very poor night. Looked a shadow of himself for the entirety of the game.
Casemiro – 6/10
Casemiro was extremely dominant in the first half but seemed to have lost his concentration in the second half. Even ended up conceding a penalty which led to Barcelona’s third goal.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
The German was really off-colour and did not do something out of the ordinary to pull his side across the line.
Lucas Vasquez – 6/10
Vasquez put in a hard shift, but his passing and decision making seemed off-colour.
Karim Benzema – 6/10
Failed to put away a shot when he was one on one with Ter Stegen when the tide was in Madrid’s favour. The Frenchman did try to participate in build-up play but was mostly ineffective.
Vinicius Junior – 8/10
With positives hard to find in this 0-3 defeat, Vinicius was right on top of a very short list. The Brazilian had a fantastic evening personally but really needs to work on his finishing if he plans to take on the crown from the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale – 6/10
Came on when Real had just gone a goal down. Did not have much involvement in the game.
Federico Valverde – 6/10
Did not have much to do in all honesty.
Marco Asensio – 5/10
Came in too late to make a difference, seemed to be the only motivated figure in the White of Madrid post his arrival.
