Real Madrid’s struggles this season continued in one of the biggest games of the season for them as they lost to arch-rivals Barcelona, in the first El Classico of the season, at the Bernabeu. Zinedine Zidane’s men started the game on a strong note, but failed to beat Ter Stegen in the first half, as they went into the break 0-0.
However, Luis Suarez opened the scoring 10 minutes into the second half, after being set up by Sergi Roberto and just 10 minutes later, Dani Carvajal saw red, for his attempt to save a shot with his arm, yards away from goal. Lionel Messi slotted home from the spot to give his side a 2-0 advantage, that was improved on by Aleix Vidal, in stoppage time. Real are now 14 points away from the league leaders from Catalan and here are the player ratings for the side in this tie:
Real Madrid Players Rated And Slated
Keylor Navas (5):
Had a tough time, where he was tested for most of the game. Should have done better to stop the first and should have stopped the third, on a forgettable afternoon.
Dani Carvajal (3):
Had a nightmare of a game, where he could have given away a penalty early in the game but eventually did, trying to save a shot with his hand on the goal line, which saw him sent off.
Raphael Varane (5):
Was partially at fault for Barcelona’s opener and though he kept a decent tab on Suarez, did not do enough to stop Barca from scoring.
Sergio Ramos (4):
Was uncomfortable all night and made a number of useless fouls. Booked for his foul on Suarez and had a tough time all around.
Marcelo (4):
Should have done better to stop Roberto’s serge for the opener and was also not as decisive with his passing and crossing in the final third.
Casemiro (4):
Was virtually absent on more than one occasion in the midfield as Barcelona ran through the Real defence far too easily in the second half.
Luka Modric (5):
Decent skill to keep Barcelona players on their toes but misplaced too many passes, keeping the visitors interested.
Mateo Kovacic (4):
Like Modric, was way too wayward with his passing in the middle of the park, and also failed to provide any cover to the back four, that was struggling.
Toni Kroos (4):
Had a decent start to the game but faded away in the second half and turned into a mere passenger as Barcelona started to dominate the game.
Karim Benzema (5):
Hit the post in the first half and was a constant presence in the final third but did not do enough to find the back of the net.
Cristiano Ronaldo (5):
Had a superb first half, where he should have scored but cut a lone, frustrating figure after Barcelona took the lead.
Substitutes:
Nacho (6):
Came on after Carvajal was sent off and did well to cover for him on the right flank.
Marco Asensio (5):
Did not have enough time to have a real impact on the game.
Gareth Bale (7):
Came on and made Barcelona defend for long periods as his pace and directness almost hurt the visitors.
