A bad week for FC Barcelona continues to get even worse it seems. With a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid now being their reality, Barça have essentially lost La Liga. In terms of titles, the season is already over for Xavi’s team.
While both teams remained neck and neck for much of the game, Madrid’s superior mentality and will to emerge victorious was clear to see. Ultimately, this is simply the consequence of the lack of effort several Barcelona players left on the field tonight.
Here is how the Barcelona players fared.
Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.0
Despite conceding three goals, the German goalkeeper ensured that Barcelona stayed away from an embarrassment. His passing was exemplary, and it helped Barça keep Real Madrid on their toes at all points of the match. Could not do anything about the goals they conceded.
Joao Cancelo: 3.0
An absolute horror show defensively from Joao Cancelo proved to be very dangerous for Barcelona. Even his typically creative offensive threat was more or less invisible during the game, and he was one of Barça’s most visible weak links in El Clasico.
Pau Cubarsi: 6.0
Some very dangerous passes from the back were played out by Pau Cubarsi. His awareness and positioning were both pretty solid, and his constant willingness to be there for his team to defend were both crucial for Barcelona as well.
Ronald Araujo: 6.0
The Uruguayan had to be at his very best to contain Real Madrid as much as he could. However, on many occasions, the Barcelona defender was seen having pushed up and it left his team in some very dangerous situations when Real Madrid counter-attacked.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
Arguably the most defensively sound of the Barcelona back line on the night, Jules Kounde managed to not just contain his own man but also help out his teammates whenever they were in a position to not defend or keep track of their own forward.
Andreas Christensen: 7.0
During his entire time playing as a starter, Andreas Christensen was crucial to keeping the Barcelona structure intact. Moreover, he even ended up being the first goalscorer of the Clasico. Unfortunately, that was not enough to see the game through and Barcelona had to play on without him due to De Jong’s injury.
Frenkie De Jong: 5.5
Despite his own best efforts during the course of the game, Frenkie De Jong ultimately had to go away injured.
Ilkay Gundogan: 5.0
One of his most sluggish performances yet, Ilkay Gundogan would do well not to publicly talk too much and start focusing more on what happens on the field.
Raphinha: 5.0
Despite showcasing some of the best football he has ever played for Barcelona against PSG, Raphinha was utterly lifeless in this fixture. The lack of energy clearly showed, and it left the team tattered on the field.
Robert Lewandowski: 4.0
If there was ever a time to ponder what exactly Robert Lewandowski has left to give this team, it should be pondered now. Before Barcelona goes on to entrust him for one more season, a good hard look in the mirror may be recommended.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5
One of the only bright spots in the game, Lamine Yamal created some very dangerous opportunities. The second goal for Barcelona came through him, and his clever flick was controversially disallowed despite looking to be clearly over the Real Madrid goal line.
Substitutes:
Pedri: 6.5
Exceptional on an individual level, it just seemed wrong to see the other players around Pedri be so lethargic.
Fermin Lopez: 7.0
Energetic as soon as he came off the field, he initiated a lot of good plays on the right. With him by his side, even Lamine Yamal began to play with a lot more flair to his game. He was also the goalscorer for Barça’s second goal of the game.
Ferran Torres: 6.0
Unlike his partner in the attack who came on, Ferran Torres gave some real moments of danger for Barcelona. His dummy that led to Lopez’s goal was well executed as well.
Joao Felix: 5.5
Lethargic and uninterested on several occasions, Joao Felix was simply frustrating to watch at times.
