A devastating performance sees FC Barcelona lose 4-1 to Real Madrid. In no way, shape, or form was this a result the Catalan giants needed at this point of the season and it will surely harm the momentum of the side. With the second half of the season now up ahead, Barcelona have a lot of soul-searching to do.
However, this game in particular was a dismantling of Xavi’s team. The tactics were already horrendously misaligned, but the individual performances were not much better. Here is how the Barcelona players fared.
Player Ratings:
Inaki Pena: 6.0
Not much can be said about the influence of Inaki Pena in this game. Was left close to no chance in any of the goals he conceded but did try to make some important saves whenever he could.
Alejandro Balde: 5.5
Contained beyond belief. The Spaniard could create next to nothing for his side. Quite the dull performance.
Andreas Christensen: 5.0
The Dane was attacked again and again by the relentless Real Madrid attack. His lack of speed, accompanied by Barça’s high line, left him a clear target to be hunted.
Jules Kounde: 6.0
Perhaps the only defender who actually seemed to be trying. Made some good decisions but ultimately could not help Barça much.
Ronald Araujo: 4.0
It is best left unsaid how abysmal of a performance this was from the Uruguayan. Embarrassing, and a red card to top it off.
Frenkie De Jong: 6.5
The Dutchman managed to showcase a level of maturity most of his teammates could not comprehend. His passes were accurate and his decisions were controlled. However, the composure from his teammates let him down.
Pedri: 6.5
Similar to Frenkie De Jong, Pedri was individually a joy to watch. The young Spaniard had little to no support from his teammates, however. Did ultimately get subbed off soon in the second half, as he had only just returned from injury.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.0
Constantly made some of the most creative vertical passes for his teammates. Unlike others in the team who seemed too scared to take the risk, the German showed them how it’s done.
Sergi Roberto: 5.5
Back pass, turn around, move a little, repeat. It almost felt like Sergi Roberto was there simply for the sake of filling up the team.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.0
Despite being contained for much of the game by Real Madrid, Robert Lewandowski gave Barça a goal out of nothing. That, rather sadly, is enough to see him as a standout performer for Barcelona.
Ferran Torres: 6.0
For all his determination and improvement, Ferran Torres still leaves a lot to be desired. Rather stale performance from the former Manchester City player.
Substitutes:
Lamine Yamal: 6.0
Injected a bit more urgency and skill on the wing, but his incorporation into the game should have come much earlier.
Joao Felix: 6.0
Similar to Yamal, he began to create some problems for Real Madrid. However, he did not have the right amount of time to make an impact properly.
Fermin Lopez: 5.5
Was energetic and left some heart out on the field. Nothing much worth noting.
