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La Liga
Mar 22, 2015 at 8pm UK
 
RM

2-1

Mathieu (19'), Suarez (56')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Ronaldo (31')

Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

:Headline: Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid: ID:212878: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during Barcelona's 2-1 La Liga win over Real Madrid.

Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday evening.

Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out a Jeremy Mathieu header to leave the two teams level at the interval.

However, Luis Suarez's strike early in the second period secured all the points for the Catalan outfit.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed in El Clasico.


BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Could not do too much with Ronaldo's goal, but had a strong match between the sticks. Was quick off his line and made a couple of vital saves as the match developed. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Was not too involved in the final third of the field, but helped his defence repel Real Madrid in the second period. Could be his last El Clasico with his Barca contract fast running out. (7/10)

Gerard Pique: Had an excellent match at the heart of the back four. Steadied the ship when his team were struggling in the first period. A real tower of strength for the hosts. (8/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Picked some match to open his league account for Barcelona. Scored with an excellent header and proved a strong presence alongside Pique down the other end. (7/10)

Jordi Alba: Should have scored late on after being put through by Messi, but brought a smart save from Iker Casillas. Used his pace to escape a number of defensive situations. (8/10)

Midfield

Andres Iniesta: Made his intent known after just three minutes when he danced into the Real Madrid box. Kept things ticking over from a deeper midfield position. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: Was guilty of some poor theatrics in the second period, but the Argentine had a steady match in the middle of the park. Better in the second half than the first. (7/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Showed calmness and composure in tight situations and took up some good positions in the final third. Has re-established himself as a key player for the Catalan outfit. (7/10)

Attack

Neymar: Really should have scored at least once after having a number of excellent chances, but the Brazilian could not register. Caused Real Madrid problems all evening, though. (7/10)

Luis Suarez: Proved the match-winner at the Camp Nou after registering early in the second period. Showed class and composure to beat Casillas from a wide angle. (8/10)

Lionel Messi: Not as involved as many would have expected in the first period, but the Argentine was more influential in the second half. Grew into the match late on. (7/10)

Substitutes

Sergio Busquets: Was not deemed fit enough to start, but came on the final 15 minutes. Settled things down in the middle of the park and helped Barca retain possession. (6/10)

Xavi: Did not see too much of the ball in the final 10 minutes, but made a couple of good clearances. Might be his last El Clasico, with his current Barca deal up in the summer. (6/10)

Rafinha: Showed some nice touches late on. (6/10)


REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Beaten twice on the night, but kept his team in the game late on with a couple of super saves. Cannot really be blamed for anything that occurred ahead of him. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Had been given licence to break forward, but was too occupied with Neymar down the other end. Struggled after picking up a booking early in the second period. (6/10)

Pepe: Had a decent first period, but was caught for pace in Barcelona's second goal and eventually replaced by Raphael Varane for the final 20 minutes. (6/10)

Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid have missed the Spaniard's presence, with his aerial ability so vital. The best of his side's defenders, but could not prevent the defeat. (7/10)

Marcelo: Was prepared to push forward when the game became stretched, but the Brazilian's final ball was a little disappointing. Alba outshone him on the night. (6/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: Nice and tidy in possession of the ball, but not much else from the German. Was rested last time out, but still seems to be suffering from fatigue. (6/10)

Isco: Going through a tough time at the moment after such a strong run of form. Never really got into the game before being replaced in the latter stages. (5/10)

Luka Modric: Had a super first period as Real Madrid took control of the midfield, but a lack of football harmed his second-half performance. Will be vital in the remaining months. (7/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Had a goal disallowed, in addition to a couple of good chances in a strong first-half performance, but the Welshman faded badly in the second period. (6/10)

Karim Benzema: Set up Ronaldo for the equaliser with an excellent flick and had a curling effort tipped wide of the post late on. Worked hard. (7/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Hit the crossbar early on, but answered some of his critics with a close-range finish after 31 minutes. Comfortably his team's best attacker. (7/10)

Substitutes

Raphael Varane: Replaced Pepe after 73 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti reacted to the pace of Barcelona and the visitors looked steadier with the Frenchman alongside Ramos. (6/10)

Jese Rodriguez: Hardly touched the ball during a 10-minute cameo.(5/10)

Lucas Silva: Only given the final two minutes in Barcelona. (5/10)


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