El Clasico player ratings: FC Barcelona 5 – Real Madrid 0 (Part 2)
Real Madrid
Iker Casillas – 4.5
When you concede five goals in El Clasico, you don’t deserve any better than this. The usually unflappable Saint Iker failed to provide inspiration as he should have done better with Barca’s second goal and both David Villa goals. Casillas will want to forget
this night at the earliest.
Sergio Ramos – 3
Former Sevilla wingback was in rich vein of form prior to this game but completely lost the plot on the night. The right back was given a torrid time by Villa, Messi, Pedro and Iniesta all night as Ramos was to blame for at least two Barca goals. His night
turned from bad to worse as he was shown a red card for a nasty challenge on Messi in the dying moments of the game.
Ricardo Carvalho – 4.5
Made a decent start to the game with some strong blocks and timely interceptions but it wasn’t a sign of things to come. His lack of pace was brutally exposed by a supreme Barca attack that rang rings around the Portugal International, especially in the
second half. Also, Carvalho was lucky with an elbow that caught Messi straight in the face.
Pepe – 5.5
Pepe maybe fast, aggressive and a strong tackler but Intelligence is clearly not one of his strength. However, Pepe made some strong tackles on Messi and was the standout performer in a woeful Madrid rearguard but that’s not saying much.
Marcelo – 4
The Brazilian was left chasing shadows all night long. Marcelo lost Pedro for Barca’s opener and couldn’t bounce back from that mistake. Galacticos’ left back is usually a threat going forward but even that wasn’t on display last night.
Sami Khedira – 5
Much was expected of the Germany International but he simply failed to perform. Khedira was left chasing Catalan dust as the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets rang rings around him.
Xabi Alonso – 5
The man responsible for dictating the play for Los Merengues was clearly second best to his La Furia Roja teammates. Alonso was closed down instantly whenever he had the ball as he was forced to play the ball sideways for much of the game.
Angel Di Maria – 4
Apart from one shot that Victor Valdes tipped over, Di Maria had a woeful game. It’s a surprise how he lasted the entire 90 minutes. The youngster will have much better days in the white jersey.
Mesut Ozil – 3.5
Much was expected from the German playmaker but he simply failed to turn up. His set piece deliveries were below par as Mourinho hooked him off at the half time interval.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6
CR7 was the only Madrid player who looked capable of doing something. Tried his best to take the game on his own, particularly in the first half, but lacked the support he ached for. It was a dreadful night for the 80-million pounds man as he was second
best to a rampant Messi.
Karim Benzema – 5
Benzema was drafted in following Higuain’s failed fitness test and struggled to make an impact on the proceedings. Was starved of service for the entire 90 minutes and even when he had the ball, he was forced to move away from goal.
Substitutes:
Lassana Diarra – 5
Lass replaced the ineffective Ozil at half way mark in what was a damage limitation move but failed to stop the Blaugrana machine.
Alvaro Arbeloa – 4.5
The former Liverpool man was introduced as a second half substitute to Marcelo but fared little better than the Brazilian. Arbeloa was frequently seen pushing and shoving the opposition as he couldn’t cope up with the Catalan charge.
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