Real Madrid
GK: Iker Casillas - 6.5
A solid performance from Iker, who made some great stops against the likes of Iniesta and Messi. Was let down by his defense on both goals, and took the initiative to come off his line and clear some dangerous balls.
RB: Hamit Altintop - 5.5
I mentioned on Upper 90 that the right back position is becoming a huge concern for RM, and the fact Hamit got the start in that position proves Mourinho is searching for an answer. Altintop wasn't terrible, and I found it surprising that Barca didn't expose his defensive liabilities more with Iniesta. His cross to Benzema was sublime but unfortunately the striker could only strike the post.
CB: Ricardo Carvalho - 5.0
Surprise start after a lengthy injury setback, Carvalho proved there was plenty of rust. Caught badly on Abidal's goal, and while he showed glimpses of his usual self, it wasn't enough to stop a Barca victory.
CB: Sergio Ramos - 5.5
Looked more comfortable in the middle of the park, but he didn't get a lot of help. Beat rarely and usually by perfect passes, but was unable to assert his authority in the second half when Madrid needed the ball back.
LB: Fabio Coentrao - 5.0
I still think he is a better defender than Marcelo, but Alexis gave him so much trouble that his usual marauding runs forward were kept in check. Still boasts loads of potential, but may never live up to his $30 million price tag.
CM: Pepe - 2.0
Sure, it is a harsh rating, but it was an embarrassing performance. Pepe has shown at Madrid that he is a top five CB at times, but as long as he fails to control his temper, he will never realize his full potential. His tackle on Busquets was sloppy, he was left ball watching for Puyol's header, and his stomp on Messi's hand was despicable. There is a difference between playing hard (Lass) and playing dirty, and that is what Pepe did Wednesday. On the rare occasion Madrid is losing or playing poorly, Pepe always comes across as the kid who resorts to cheap shots and dirty tactics. His flopping and diving was something I expect of a Busquets, Dani Alves or di Maria, not a "tough guy" like Pepe. It is time for #3 to mature, play like a man, and stop being a bitch.
CM: Lass Diarra - 6.5
His game is far from flashy, but he knows his role and he does it admirably. Harassed Barca's attackers throughout the first half, and while none of his passes were difficult, he got the ball to Real's dangerous players and moved the ball across midfield. Replaced by Ozil early in the second half as Mourinho searched for more attacking options.
CM: Xabi Alonso - 5.0
Along with Ramos and Casillas, Xabi comes across as an incredibly frustrated figure whenever RM faces Barca. Usually a top-class passer, Alonso gave the ball away far too often and had a few sloppy tackles. Made no impact from set pieces, as Madrid produced only a couple corners and no threatening free kicks.
FW: Cristiano Ronaldo - 5.5
Scored a nice goal after a beautiful pass from Benzema. Struck the ball like a player who had built up a lot of anger, and while Pinto should have done better, the pace of the shot with his left foot was astonishing. Despite the impressive early start, he made absolutely ZERO impact in the second half.
FW: Gonzalo Higuain - 4.0
Once again, the Argentine flopped on the big stage. Did nothing to help his side, and looked lost on the pitch. Mourinho going to an unfamiliar 4-3-3 might have had something to do with his struggles, but you still expect more from a so-called "elite" player.
FW: Karim Benzema - 5.0
His rating would have been MUCH higher if he could have converted his free header in the second half from Altintop. Instead, he clattered the post and Madrid went flat afterwards. His pass to Ronaldo was nice, but he admitted being uncomfortable in Wednesday's 4-3-3 formation and it showed by his poor runs and minimal impact.
Substitutions
Mesut Ozil - 4.5
Came on for Lass early in the second half, but he was unable to have much impact as Real was dominated by Barca in the second half. Ozil should have started ahead of Higuain, as his creativity would have provided Real with a better attacking threat when Real was playing their best football in the first half.
Callejon - 4.0
Picked up a yellow card, but did nothing else. Couldn't capitalize on his current run of form.
Esteban Granero - 4.0
Came on late and was unable to do much. A departure from Real to the BPL would do him good in my opinion.
Barcelona
GK: Pinto - 5.0
Should have done better with Ronaldo's goal, but otherwise a pretty quiet night.
RB: Dani Alves - 5.5
Didn't have much of an attacking impact, but when his offensive game is negated he does something Real's Marcelo doesn't; defends. Alves is often overlooked as a defender, but he has greatly improved in that department and it showed against RM.
CB: Gerard Pique - 6.5
Looked helpless trying to defend Ronaldo on the wing for the opening goal, but after that he was calm and composed. Real barely crossed midfield, and he dealt well with long balls into his area.
CB: Carles Puyol - 7.5
The Catalan captain once again played his best football against his greatest rivals. A diving header in front of the pathetic Pepe for the tying goal, and he continually broke up Madrid's attacks.
LB: Eric Abidal - 8.5
Scored a beautiful goal, due to a perfectly timed run and a wonderful Messi pass. Plus, he completely shackled Higuain in the first half and completely locked down Ronaldo in the second half. Incredibly dominant display and is well worth the recent contract extension.
CM: Sergio Busquets - 4.5
Once again flopped and simulated injury like a little girl, and karma got him back when he missed an open header from 10 yards out. Didn't do anything terrible, but didn't do anything great either.
CM: Xavi - 7.5
He wasn't his dominant best, but he was still a step above the rest and created plenty of opportunities for his teammates. Was a willing defender and was always positive.
CM: Andres Iniesta - 6.0
Seemed off his game. Should have punished Real for starting Altintop at RB, and while he had some nice runs and a couple decent shots on net, he was unable to truly punish Madrid. Like Xavi, tracked back to help on defense and did enough.
FW: Alexis Sanchez - 7.0
Threatening all match, and is unlucky to not find himself on the score sheet after he was hit with a perfect pass from Fabregas and his header hit the underside of the crossbar. Constantly got into dangerous areas, and he was incorrectly ruled offside late in the first half.
FW: Cesc Fabregas - 5.5
Played the "false 9" role, and while he had moments of magic (like his pass to Alexis), he also gave the ball away too often and his touch let him down on more than a few occasions. Was a worry for Madrid defense, but wasn't his Arsenal best.
FW: Lionel Messi - 6.5
Actually didn't score, but he was a nuisance nonetheless. His chipped assist to Abidal was picture perfect, and while he dove a couple times, he showed great professionalism in not retaliating for Pepe's childish antics.
Substitutions
Adriano - 5.0
Nothing of note, but didn't allow Madrid space down his flank.
Thiago Alcantara - N/A
Nothing more than a time wasting move.
Joan Isaac Cuenca Lopez - N/A
See Thiago.
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