Player Ratings: Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 3; 2020/21 La Liga

What a major revival at the club. After back to back losses, Real Madrid have rejuvenated themselves against their long-term rivals, Barcelona (and at the Camp Nou no less). Right from the whistle, Los Blancos made it clear they were there to take home the three points, and Zidane’s side was persistent all match.

See player ratings below.

Thibaut Courtois — 7: Couldn’t keep a clean sheet but made two impressive saves against Lionel Messi. Had a few difficulties clearing the ball but overall, another valuable performance from the keeper.

Nacho — 6.5: Some were surprised to see the Spaniard filling in as right-back but Nacho is the utility knife for Zidane. Left Alba unmarked for Ansu Fati’s goal and had some difficulty following their runs. Pulled up with a problem and was subbed just before half.

Raphael Varane — 7.5: Looked way more comfortable with the captain by his side. Helped re-gained possession a few times and did well to act as a big presence in the box. Nice bounce back game from the Frenchman who finished with two aerials and one tackle.

Sergio Ramos — 9: Where would this team be without Ramos? And that’s a serious question. The captain led the team throughout the entire match, won the penalty, and scored it to win the game. Had the most shots (4), most aerials (3) and three tackles plus a 95 per cent pass completion. Superb.

Ferland Mendy — 8: Took care of the left wing for most of the game alongside Vinicius and was a constant threat for Barça. Proved why here deserves the spot over Marcelo. Finished with three dribbles and two tackles.

Toni Kroos — 8.5: Complete performance from the midfield-maestro. 90 touches, one big chance created, five key passes, 94 per cent pass completion and kept the momentum for the team. Integral to the victory.

Casemiro—8: Once again Casemiro proved why he is the best in his position. Tracked Messi well, had three tackles and found a way not to get a second yellow. Very necessary in terms of Madrid’s possession and transitioning of the game.

Fede Valverde—8: Used his quick pace to pick out a lane, run into unmarked territory, take Benzema’s pass and score just four minutes in. (And it was quite a shot, too!). Versatile in defence and offence all night, keeping Frenkie De Jong in his pocket. Great performance. Subbed off after 69 minutes for Modric.

Marco Asensio—6.5: Unfortunate not to see Asesnio as involved with the team in the first half. He was basically invisible as the team operated heavily down the left. Way more involved in the second when he swapped positions with Vinicius. Still needed a bit more from him individually. Subbed after 81 mins.

Karim Benzema—7: Looked ready to get the team rolling and assisted Valverde’s opening goal right from the start. Good positioning but needed to find better finishing. Three shots, including a basically wide open chance, but no goal.

Vini Jr. — 7: Earned the start after a great showing in the Champions League and was a threat down the left seeing a lot of action on the ball. Did well to move into open space in the first but influence slowed down in the second.

Substitutions:

Lucas Vazquez—7.5: Came on for Nacho just before half-time. Did very well to keep Messi, Alba and Fati tame. Fresh legs helped him in the dying minutes of the match where he bombarded Barca with crosses into the box. Some sweet dribbling too.

Luka Modric - 7.5: Came on after Valverde left due to an injury (unknown at the moment) but immediately made his presence known. With about 20 minutes left, Modric worked alongside Kroos to push the team forward. In the end, it was his play that built up to the third goal and he ended up finishing it himself with a superb trivela.

Rodrygo - 6: Came on for Marco Asensio after 81 minutes. Nice to get some playing time but didn’t offer too much to Real’s threat. Would like to see him be more influential in future games.