Deeming this performance a massacre is an understatement; this was a bloodbath, a carnage of the highest order. Barcelona took their resurgence under Xavi to another level by thrashing their rivals and runaway La Liga leaders, Real Madrid, 4-0 in El Clásico.
Despite Real Madrid’s impressive run—having won the last five meetings in all competitions and starting the day 15 points clear of Barcelona—they were met by a rejuvenated and revitalized Barça that ripped them apart in every department.
Player Ratings:
Marc-André ter Stegen: 8.5
Ter Stegen had an impressive game overall. His ball distribution was spot-on, and he made several crucial saves. He wasn’t tested much, which is a positive sign for Barcelona. Since Xavi’s arrival, the defense has certainly improved.
Ronald Araujo: 9.0
Xavi opted for Ronald Araujo over Dani Alves as a right-back to neutralize the threat of Vinícius Jr., and he successfully dealt with the pacy Brazilian winger. While Alves’ ability to invert significantly contributes to the build-up play and creates numerical superiority, it would have been a risky choice defensively.
Gerard Piqué: 9.2
Piqué dominated the game as he did in his prime. It turns out he is still at that level and not a finished player after all. What he needed was a solid structure aimed at minimizing his evolutionary drawbacks while maximizing his innate abilities.
Eric García: 9.0
Eric García was flawless against Real Madrid. Like most young footballers, he has had his ups and downs, but his ability is unquestionable. He possesses immense potential, and now he has the perfect manager in Xavi!
With an emphasis on building out from the back and establishing structures that create numerical advantages, Xavi’s system allows players like Eric to flourish, showcasing his elite progressive abilities.
Jordi Alba: 9.0
Jordi Alba is another major beneficiary of Xavi’s system. He had a fantastic game and was instrumental in the build-up play.
Sergio Busquets: 9.5
Busquets delivered another masterclass at the Bernabéu, expertly controlling the tempo of the match and dominating the midfield. Xavi has revitalized him, turning him back into prime Busquets by creating a solid structure around him.
Frenkie de Jong: 9.0
Frenkie once again demonstrated that in the right system, he is a world-beater. He epitomizes the modern midfielder, excelling in nearly every aspect of the game. Barcelona’s midfield, featuring Busquets, Pedri, and Frenkie, is becoming increasingly formidable with each passing day.
Pedri: 9.0
Pedri was exceptional as usual, managing the tempo of the match like a veteran. He completed the most take-ons for Barcelona against Real Madrid and was key to almost every attacking move.
Ousmane Dembélé: 9.0
It’s incredible how special Ousmane Dembélé is. As a primary creative outlet, his ambipedal nature allows him to create chances with either foot. He is an extraordinary dribbler and an elite athlete, making him a 1v1 specialist. Although he still lacks top-level finishing and consistency, his other qualities overshadow these flaws. He had an excellent first half, frequently outmaneuvering Nacho and dominating the right wing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 9.3
At the Bernabéu, Aubameyang not only scored a brace—one from an extraordinary header and another from a tight, measured chip to beat Courtois—but also provided a crucial assist to Ferran Torres with a back-heel pass. He is a lethal striker when given space and knows how to maneuver in tight areas.
Ferran Torres: 9.0
Ferran is a pivotal part of Xavi’s Barça. Anyone who doubts this should watch his setup for Aubameyang’s second goal. He’s an intelligent footballer, adept at understanding the ‘when’s and why’s of the game. His off-the-ball movements, relentless pressing, and ability to regain possession make him an ideal winger for Xavi’s system. There’s no doubt he is bound to succeed under Xavi.
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