Barca vs Real Madrid: Player Ratings and Match Review

Player Ratings against Real Madrid

A sublime display of football by the Catalan giants. Deeming this performance to be a massacre is an understatement; this was a bloodbath, carnage of the highest order.

Barcelona took their resurgence under Xavi to another level by thrashing rivals and runaway La Liga leaders Real Madrid 4-0 in El Clasico. Real Madrid were on their best Clasico run in years, having won the last five meetings in all competitions and started the day 15 points clear of Barcelona in La Liga – however, they were met by a rejuvenated and revitalized Barca, who ripped them apart in every department.

Player Ratings

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8.5

Ter Satgen had a great game overall. His ball distributions were spot on and he made some good saves as well. He wasn’t tested much in this game and that is a good sign as well. Since Xavi has arrived, Barca’s defense has certainly improved.

Ronald Araujo: 9.0

Xavi has opted for Ronald Araujo instead of Dani Alves as a right-back to curtail the threat of Vinicius Jr and he successfully dealt with the pacy Brazilian winger. Although Alves’ proficiency to invert, significantly contributing to our build-up, whilst simultaneously helping in creating numerical superiorities, supersedes his defensive drawbacks but it would have been risky.

Gerad Pique: 9.2

He dominated the game as he used to do in his prime. Turns out he is still in his prime and not a finished player after all. What he needed, was a sound structure – aimed at minimizing his evolutionary drawbacks, whilst maximizing his innate abilities.

Eric Garcia: 9.0

Eric Garcia was absolutely flawless against Real Madrid. He’s had his downs, as most young footballers do. However, if we’re talking about ability, there simply isn’t a question. Immense potential. Immense footballer. And, now, he has the perfect manager!

To elaborate; Xavi, with his emphasis on building out from the back, establishing a structure that creates numerical superiorities, out-wide & in between the lines – acts as an unparalleled means for someone like Eric, with his elite progressive abilities, to flourish.

Jordi Alba: 9.0

Jordi Alba is also one of the biggest beneficiaries of Xavi’s system. He had a great game and was phenomenal in the build-up play.

Sergio Busquets: 9.5

Sergio Busquets dropped another masterclass at Bernabeu. The way he controlled the tempo of the match and bossed the midfield was exceptional. Xavi turned him into prime Busquets again just by creating a sound structure around him.

Frenkie De Jong: 9.0

Frenkie once again showed that in the right system he’s a world-beater. He’s a definition of a modern midfielder who is elite at almost everything. Barca’s midfield with Busi – Pedri – Frenkie is starting to look scarier and scarier each with each passing day.

Pedri: 9.0

Pedri was excellent as usual and controlled the tempo of the match as a veteran. He completed most take-ons for Barcelona against Real Madrid and was key in almost everything.

Dembele:9.0

It’s crazy how special Ousmane Dembele is. He’s a primary creative outlet whose ambipedal nature enables him to create chances on either foot for those around him. However, he’s also an incredible dribbler and athlete & thus a 1v1 specialist who can go either side. He still lacks top-level finishing and is a bit inconsistent but his other qualities supersede his flaws. He had an excellent first half and toyed with Nacho, too many times. He owned that right-wing, alone!

Aubameyang: 9.3

At the Bernabeu, Aubameyang not only scored a brace from an extraordinary header and a tight and measured chip to beat Courtois, but he also gave a huge assist to Ferran Torres from a back-heel pass. He is a lethal striker when given space and who knows how to move in short spaces.

Ferran: 9.0

Ferran is a pivotal part of Xavi’s Barça. If someone believes otherwise, just watch his set-up for Aubameyang’s second goal. He’s such a clever footballer, understanding, most notably, the ‘when’s and why’s of the game. His off-the-ball movements, non-stop pressing, and ability to regain possession makes him a perfect winger for Xavi’s system. He is bound to succeed under Xavi and there is no doubt about it.

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.

The Latest

Mallorca coach reveals game plan to counter Xavi’s Barcelona

FC Barcelona are well prepared for their upcoming clash in La Liga EA Sports against a rigid opposition in RCD Mallorca. While statistically, their...

Xavi still optimistic about Brazilian gem coming to Barcelona in January – report

For top European clubs like FC Barcelona, recruiting the best players is always a great objective no matter the situation. For Barca, certain positions...

26-year-old Brazilian winger set to start for Barcelona against Mallorca – report

FC Barcelona return to league action soon enough in a clash against RCD Mallorca away from home. Entering their seventh game of La Liga...

Xavi talks Frenkie, Pedri, Raphinha, Kounde, Roque ahead of Barcelona vs Mallorca

FC Barcelona are preparing for their seventh match in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign as they face Mallorca on a midweek match tomorrow. Xavi's...

Official: Barcelona announce squad for the game against RCD Mallorca

Following their ‘Remontada’ over Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona already return to action in La Liga EA Sports. Set to face off against Javier Aguirre’s...

Xavi’s impressive record with the club surpassed only by two Barcelona managers

There were high hopes pinned on Xavi Hernandez as he became the head coach for FC Barcelona at the end of 2021. While everything...

Portuguese star repaying Xavi’s faith with his best career start at Barcelona

The latest FC Barcelona right-back, Joao Cancelo, has had a very varied career. He arrived at Barcelona aged 29 years and has already played...

Promising start to ex-defender’s season can benefit Barcelona financially – report

Oscar Mingueza is one of the several players who made the jump from La Masia to the FC Barcelona first team, but were unable...

Barcelona summer arrival dispels concerns about discipline with uplifting attitude

Joao Cancelo joined FC Barcelona on loan from Manchester City this summer transfer window. He was the main candidate identified by Xavi to strengthen...