Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Player ratings: FC Barcelona Vs Real Madrid

Barcelona
David Villa (Off 76') - 9 (Man-of-the-match)
What an El Clasico debut for the Barcelona striker! An excellent double and an assist for Pedro have surely cemented his place in the history books and hearts of the Camp Nou faithful.
Lionel Messi - 8.5
Despite surprisingly not getting on the scoresheet this time, the Argentinean ace was his mesmerizing self. He nearly scored a wonder goal after six minutes but his deft lob bounced off the post. Else, Messi was at the centre of Barcelona's play and was integral in their triumph over their bitter rivals.


Xavi (Off 87') - 8.5
The Barcelona midfield maestro did what he does best again - dominating play from midfield and most importantly - opened the floodgates at the Camp Nou with a cute finish following an exquisite control.

Victor Valdes - 7
The Barcelona goalkeeper was expecting a busy night but he had nothing of that. A good save from Angel di Maria early in the game was nearly all the action the Spaniard was involved in.
Dani Alves - 7.5
Was at his usual best down the right-wing. The Brazilian full-back caused continual headaches to the Real Madrid's defence with his marauding runs and link-up play with the attackers.
Carles Puyol - 8
Yet another inspirational and stellar performance from the Barcelona captain himself. The defender wore his heart on the Barca sleeve and was a solid rock at the heart of the defence.
Gerald Pique - 7.5
The former Manchester United showed once again what a world class defender he has become since leaving Old Trafford as he put in yet another top-class performance at the back. But in all honesty, he was hardly tested by Cristiano Ronaldo and gang.
Eric Abidal - 7
A solid performance for the right-back. Performed an excellent job in neutralizing left-wing threat of Madrid.

Sergio Busquets - 7.5
Did the dirty job in the centre of the park. The 22-year-old won most of the battles against he star-studded Madrid midfield. Who needs Javier Mascherano?
Andres Iniesta - 8.5
The Barcelona playmaker put on another footballing clinic at the Camp Nou. He was simply unplayable in midfield and hardly lost the ball. It was his pass that found Xavi for his opening goal.
Pedro (Off 87') - 8
A lively performance by the pint-sized Barcelona midfielder. He has once again showed his ability to be in the right place at the right time with his goal that doubled Barca's lead.
Substitutes:
Bojan Krkic (On 76') - 7
The young striker came on in the 76th minute for Villa and put in a lively performance despite the limited time he was given.
Jeffrén Suárez (On 87') - 7.5
The young Venezuelan capped off an unbelievable evening at the Camp Nou with a El Clasico goal to keep in his memory for a long time to come.
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo - 5
Instead of inspiring his side against their bitter rivals, the Portuguese was a cry-baby throughout the match. Despite starting the match strongly, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as he was outshined by Messi. Capped off his night in disgrace as he had the audacity to shove Pep Guardiola in the chest at the sidelines.


Iker Casillas - 5
Probably one of the lowest - if not the lowest point of his Madrid career. Could have done better to prevent Pedro's goal and allowed the ball to go under his leg for Villa's second goal.
Sergio Ramos - 4
What a horror performance from the Spanish centre-back. Ramos was at fault for Pedro's goal as he allowed Villa space and time to cross. His miserable night was capped off in disgraced after being sent off for pushing fellow Spain team-mate Puyol on the face.
Pepe - 6
The Portuguese defender played his heart out for Madrid and was one of their better players. 
Ricardo Carvalho - 4
The former Chelsea defender's good run of form came to an end at the Nou Camp. His lack of pace was brutally exposed by the Barcelona attack and was lucky not to be sent off for a deliberate handball.
Marcelo (Off 60') - 4.5
A poor performance for the Brazilian. It was his slip-up that let Xavi in for the all important opening goal. Was toothless going forward as well and was deservedly taken off at the hour-mark
Sami Khedira - 5
The German international worked his socks off in his first ever El Clasico but was simply outclassed and outfoxed by the Barcelona midfield.
Mesut Özil (Off 45') - 4.5
Much was expected from the German midfielder but he failed miserably. He was a pale shadow of himself against Barcelona and had no impact whatsoever on the game. Was taken off at half-time.
Xabi Alonso - 5.5
The former Liverpool midfielder was easily outclassed by his Spanish compatriots such as Xavi and Iniesta. His passing was also not at his usual best.
Ángel Di María - 4
Jose Mourinho must be wondering if this was the same Di Maria he signed during the summer. The Argentinean had a dreadful game and lost the ball on several occasions.
Karim Benzema - 4         
The Frenchman was given the golden opportunity to prove his worth to Mourinho was failed miserably. But to be fair, he was left isolated for most of the match as the supply from midfield was cut by the Barcelona players.
Subsitutes:
Lassana Diarra (On 45') - 5
Was brought in to replace Ozil at half-time but was equally as ineffective as he was simply outclassed and outplayed by the Barcelona midfield.
Álvaro Arbeloa (On 60') - 5.5
A decent job by the former Liverpool defender after coming on for the poor Marcelo at the hour-mark.

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