For better or worse, Luis Suarez and Neymar have been proving week after week just how little Barcelona actually need four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
Between a flawless defensive effort and even more goals from Suarez, Neymar and a rare goal from someone other than those two (Iniesta), Barcelona made quick and easy work of their La Liga arch-rivals and ran away with a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings from their dominating win over Real Madrid in El Clasico:
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GK Claudio Bravo – 9/10
Bravo had a fun time watching his teammates make quick work of Real Madrid. In the first half there was only one shot on goal. In the second half though he really got to work and made several crucial saves to keep Real Madrid scoreless.
DF Dani Alves – 7/10
Aside from a yellow card, Alves got really high marks for an outstanding display.
DF Gerard Pique – 7.5/10
A mistake-free performance from Pique, who played solid defense all 90 minutes.
DF Javier Mascherano – 5/10
Had to leave the game in the middle of the first half due to an aggravated groin injury. Get well soon!
DF Jordi Alba – 8/10
An assist, two clears and two successful tackles were only part of a phenomenal defensive effort from Alba and his teammates.
MF Ivan Rakitic – 6/10
Some foul trouble combined with limited contributions in the passing game saw Rakitic taken off.
MF Sergio Busquets – 6/10
Much like Rakitic, Busquets’ performance included some foul trouble but he still kept control of the ball for most of the match.
MF Andres Iniesta – 10/10
A goal, an assist, and the team’s leading passer, the only flaw in Iniesta’s game was his repeated fouling.
FW Sergi Roberto – 7.5/10
Just about the only offensive starter who didn’t score, Roberto had a big assist and drew a foul!
FW Luis Suarez – 10/10
Suarez made a statement early in the first half, but he silenced Barcelona’s doubters for good in the second half.
FW Neymar – 9/10
Another day, another goal for Neymar who so thoroughly humiliated Isco that the Real Madrid star intentionally fouled him!
Substitutes:
Lionel Messi – 7/10
Try as he might to get in on the scoring frenzy, Messi couldn’t finish in the limited time he had.
Jeremy Mathieu – 8/10
An early injury sub for Mascherano, Mathieu was excellent on defense, keeping the ball well-away from any nearby Real Madrid players for over 60 minutes.
Munir El Haddadi – 7/10
Replaced Iniesta well after the Barcelona captain had done his job, Haddadi was eager to get in on the scoring but had to make due with a few missed shots.