nigeriasport.ng

Barcelona Player Ratings After Clasico Loss to Real Madrid: Raphinha Impresses Despite Mbappe's Brace

At the Spotify Camp Nou, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona, handing Hansi Flick's side their first league loss this season. The clash ended Barcelona's run of nine consecutive wins and tightened the gap between the rivals to just three points.

Despite controlling 62% of possession and taking 17 shots, Barcelona was caught out four minutes before halftime when a clearance from Gerard Martin bounced off Kylian Mbappe into the net. Raphinha equalized in the 61st minute after a clever pass from Pedri. Barcelona pushed hard for a winner but lost possession late, allowing substitute Gabriel Jesus to lose the ball and set up Mbappe for the winning goal in the 87th minute.

Player Ratings from the Clasico

  • Joan Garcia (7/10): Could not prevent either goal, especially the second which was tapped in an almost empty net. Made three saves including a strong parry from Arda Guler’s low shot and showed good decision-making by rushing out to clear near Mbappe.
  • Xavi Espart (6/10): Forced off after 30 minutes due to a heavy knock from Aurelien Tchouameni. Limited impact before being replaced by Alejandro Balde.
  • Pau Cubarsi (6/10): Calm on the ball and made a crucial stop on Mbappe after halftime but was beaten by Camavinga leading up to the decisive goal.
  • Gerard Martin (6/10): His clearance unintentionally led to Madrid’s opener. Almost redeemed himself with a close-range header saved brilliantly by Andriy Lunin.
  • Joao Cancelo (7/10): One of the stronger defenders. Provided attacking runs and delivered set-pieces but was occasionally outmuscled by Yan Diomande.
  • Rodri (7/10): Efficient in the double pivot role, clearing lines well and testing Lunin with a low drive just before halftime.
  • Pedri (7/10): Created the equalizer by cleverly dummied a shot before threading Raphinha in. Struggled early with possession but improved as the match progressed.
  • Fermin Lopez (6/10): Active in the No.10 spot, forced a deflected attempt wide, repeatedly fouled, but lacked a final killer pass and was replaced after 74 minutes.
  • Lamine Yamal (7/10): Kept Cucurella busy and nearly scored with a curling shot late. Missed a big chance just before halftime.
  • Anthony Gordon (8/10): Made an energetic Clasico debut, constantly threatening down the left wing. Forced multiple saves from Lunin and contributed to Yamal’s chance before halftime. Booked late in the match.
  • Raphinha (8/10): Barcelona's standout player, leading by example with tireless effort. Finished his 13th La Liga goal of the season clinically. Remained the most dangerous until substituted in the 86th minute.
  • Alejandro Balde (6/10): Came on early, provided pace, helped defend Mbappe, but received a late booking.
  • Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Entered after 74 minutes and helped keep Madrid at bay, even blocking a goal-bound shot.
  • Karim Adeyemi (5/10): Replaced Gordon late but failed to impact the game and was booked for kicking the ball during stoppage time.
  • Gabriel Jesus (5/10): Came on in the final minutes but lost possession leading to Mbappe’s winning goal.
  • Hansi Flick (6/10): His team dominated possession and pressed high but lacked sharpness in attack and were punished on the counter for the defeat.

Related Articles