Barcelona’s misery continues as they slump to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, in what was the first El Clasico of the new season. Both the sides had scored early through goals from Federico Valverde and Ansu Fati, but Real had the advantage during the final phase of the game thanks to a goal from Sergio Ramos before Luka Modric added more gloss to the scoreline late in the game.
Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Real Madrid
Neto 9/10
Neto was by far the best performer for FC Barcelona this evening. A double save to deny Toni Kroos was the highlight of his performance, but the goalkeeper also saved an effort from Luka Modric minutes later. An excellent display in between the sticks.
Sergino Dest 8/10
Sergino Dest’s performance was one of the very few bright points for Barcelona in this result. The young American was disciplined when defending Vinicius Junior while also looking effortless with the ball at his feet. A fantastic display at right-back.
Gerard Pique 6/10
Gerard Pique once again failed to marshal the Barcelona defence, falling prey to Real Madrid’s counter-attacking style of play. The Blaugrana clearly need a more competent leader at the back.
Clement Lenglet 5/10
Clement Lenglet committed himself to help Jordi Alba on the far side, which eventually opened up space at the heart of the Barca defence for the first goal. The Frenchman then made a silliest of fouls on Ramos to concede a penalty, effectively costing the game for his side.
Jordi Alba 6.5/10
Jordi Alba looked bright in the first half, combining well with Philippe Coutinho. He even provided the assist for the Fati goal with an excellent run down the byline, though the Spaniard could have done a lot in terms of his positioning and decision making in the defensive department.
Pedri 5/10
Pedri operated almost as a right-sided midfielder today, but it clearly didn’t work out all too well for Barcelona as the attacker failed to expose Ferland Mendy.
Sergio Busquets 6/10
Sergio Busquets looked calm and composed as always. However, one could argue that it’s about time Barcelona settle for a more agile and dynamic presence in that number six role.
Frenkie de Jong 6.5/10
Frenkie de Jong was influential with the ball at his feet, picking good forward balls and making himself a decent catalyst in the build-up play.
Philippe Coutinho 6.5/10
Coutinho did cause one or two problems for the Real Madrid defence with his combination play with Alba on the far side. The Brazilian did, however, miss a glorious opportunity early in the second half as his header went just wide.
Lionel Messi 6.5/10
Lionel Messi struggled once again in imposing his authority in that central role. The Argentine was a menace for the Real Madrid defence, but he should have had much more freedom and space in a wider attacking role.
Ansu Fati 7/10
Ansu Fati once again made an impression with his work-rate, operating as a key asset in the first line of press. The 17-year-old scored the equaliser and looked one of the most active Barca players throughout the game, making dozens of runs in behind the defence, though most of them were ignored by the ball-carriers.
SUBSTITUTES
Antoine Griezmann N/A
Provided a bit more experience in the Barca attack by replacing Ansu Fati, with just nine minutes remaining on the clock. Failed to make any difference.
Trincao N/A
Replaced Pedri in the 81st minute – a move that should have been made much earlier.
Ousmane Dembele N/A
Tried to probe the Real Madrid defence with his direct runs.
Martin Braithwaite N/A
Offered some physicality after replacing Alba late in the game.
