European giants Real Madrid regained top spot on the La Liga table after successfully manoeuvring the challenge of Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight by a 2-0 scoreline. The fixture began with a fairly even first-half, wherein both teams tried to take control but seemed to be cancelling each other out. In the second half though, the home side came out looking like a different team. The Madrid attackers completely swept the Catalan giants aside, and goals from Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz ensured that Zidane’s side finished what has been a difficult week, on top of the Spanish league table.
Real Madrid Players Rated In Victory Vs Barcelona
Thibaut Courtois – 8
The Belgian international looked like a brick wall in between the sticks for Madrid today, making multiple key saves as early as the first half. Confident with the ball at his feet too.
Dani Carvajal – 8
The full-back got forward on every possible opportunity and delivered some smart balls into the box. Linked up superbly with the likes of Benzema and Valverde in the second half.
Sergio Ramos – 8
A typically solid performance at the back by the Spanish veteran as he even took on the responsibility of a free-kick in the late stages. Dealt with set-pieces efficiently and was never really caught out defensively.
Raphael Varane – 8.5
The Frenchman put up a dominant display in the heart of defence as he tracked back or stepped forward into midfield as and when required. Did well to cover Messi’s clear run on the Madrid goal.
Marcelo – 8
The Brazilian made a sensational tackle to deny Lionel Messi a clean strike on goal in the second half. Made some excellent forward runs and linked up exceptionally well with the energetic Vinicius Junior.
Casemiro – 9
The midfield destroyer was at the heart of every forward move that this Madrid team created. Did an excellent defensive job screening Los Blancos back-line on the night as well.
Federico Valverde – 9
The youngster was played in a slightly different position by Zidane tonight, but he excelled irrespective of that. Got wide and took people on with confidence, and looked like he never stopped running.
Toni Kroos – 8
The German international controlled the tempo of the game from the middle of the park by dictating the forward passing. Picked up some dangerous positions but wasn’t allowed to pull the trigger.
Isco – 8
The Spaniard had a couple of decent opportunities to score but was perhaps unlucky to be substituted as well. Made some excellent runs and displayed good finesse and composure on the ball.
Vinicius Junior – 9.5
The youngster was nothing short of a sensation tonight as he handed Nelson Semedo what was arguably his worst game in a Barcelona shirt. Stepped up and scored the opener too.
Karim Benzema – 8
The Frenchman has a couple of opportunities to take a shot on but instead chose to pass, and his teammates weren’t able to always convert. Linked up superbly with Vinicius late on.
Substitutes
Luka Modric – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Lucas Vazquez – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Mariano Diaz – NA
Scored a goal with his only involvement in the game.
