CLUB AND PLAYER RATING AFTER CRUSHIN REAL madrid Barcelona Five out of 10 Victor Valdes (goalkeeper) - 5 Making his last league Clasico appearance before his impending departure from Barcelona, but didnt enjoy the happiest of personal performance. He should have saved Benzemas first goal and his distribution was below usual standards. Seven out of 10 Dani Alves (right-back) - 7 Did well to restrict Ronaldos threat - with the exception of Madrids controversial penalty - and also got forward to good effect, notably with a fizzing strike which beat Lopez but crashed against the post. Seven out of 10 Gerard Pique (centre-back) - 7 Defended with composure, even when all around him was floundering during Madrids hot spell during the first half. Made a possibly game-saving goal-line clearance to deny Benzema a hat-trick when the hosts led 2-1. Five out of 10 Javier Mascherano (centre-back) - 5 Occasionally looked at sixes and sevens against the movement of Benzema and Di Maria, serving a reminder that he is a converted midfielder. Gave his all but Barca desperately need to buy a quality centre-half this summer. Six out of 10 Jordi Alba (left-back) - 6 Solid in defence against the threat of Bale, but less exuberant in his attacking play than usual - doubtless under instruction from boss Tata Martino to subdue his forward bursts in order to keep Bale quiet. Six out of 10 Sergio Busquets (midfield) - 6 Similar to Alonso, this game was so open it really did not suit holding defensive midfield players. Played a greater role in establishing Barcas passing game when they had a mans advantage following Ramoss red card. Six out of 10 Xavi (midfield) - 6 Although his passing remains peerless, ageing legs mean hes unable to influence play as much as he used to. Left for dead by Di Maria in the build-up to Madrids second goal and was at times overrun. Seven out of 10 Andres Iniesta (midfield) - 7 Sumptuously taken early goal and an elusive presence on Barcas left wing throughout the game, often dropping deeper to create an extra man in midfield. Fizzed a sensational half-volley inches over the bar and won the decisive late penalty. Five out of 10 Neymar (forward) - 5 Not a great performance from the Brazilian, who played with a lack of conviction betraying his current lack of confidence. He never gave up, though, and was involved in the games pivotal moment to win a penalty and a red card for Ramos. Seven out of 10 Cesc Fabregas (forward) - 7 Did well to provide the link between midfield and attack for Barca and played a part in the build-up to his teams first two goals. Also created a good first half chance for Messi with a through ball. Eight out of 10 Lionel Messi (forward) - 8 A match-winning hat-trick display from the Argentine, who also provided the assist for Iniestas opener and a brilliant pass for the penalty won by Neymar. Bright and lively all night, getting into positions where Madrid felt uncomfortable and showing composure under pressure to convert two unstoppable penalties. Substitutes Pedro (forward) - 6 Came on for Neymar and ran his heart out for the team, as he always does, switching from the right to the left flank after Alexis Sanchez came on. Alexis Sanchez (forward) - 6 Could have added a late fifth goal but lacked composure and failed to make clean contact with his strike.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:36:21 +0000
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