Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Player Ratings: Vinicius Junior makes the difference

Carlos Casemiro(CDM)

Casemiro put in one of his best performance in Real Madrid shirt tonight as he made crucial tackles continuously to break play up and launch some dangerous counter attacks again and again.

He teamed up with his midfielders to crowd out Barcelona players to win ball deep in his own half to hit Barcelona on counter. Casemiro made a goal saving tackle on Messi inside the penalty area when Argentinian looked likely to go on one of his famous runs. Casemiro made 4 interceptions and 10 recoveries more than any other player on the pitch.

Rating: 10/10

Toni Kroos(LCM)

Toni Kroos made his comeback in the starting lineup after not getting a single minute midweek against Manchester City. Kroos showed what Real Madrid was missing against City as he helped progress the ball on the left and did well to cover for Marcelo when the left back marauded forward.

He was awarded with an assist for Vinicius and you could clearly see him instructing Vinicius about when to make the run and where as he made the pass leading to the goal. The German star made an amazing comeback on the pitch and will be key going forward into the business end of the season.

Rating: 8.5/10

Fede Valverde(RCM)

Fede Valverde finally felt home as he was asked to play on the right hand side of the midfield where he is more comfortable and impactful. He spent most of the time against City playing on the left where he was a bit lost. Fede made life tough for Barcelona players with his energy off the ball to win every 50-50 ball and made crucial runs on counter time and again terrorising Jordi Alba on the right.

He did well in keeping Alba quiet in the attack which was key to the victory as how many times we have seen Messi and Alba combine to score. Fede was awarded the official Man of the Match award for his amazing performance but I think it should have gone to Casemiro.

Rating: 9/10

Isco(AM)

Isco was one of the best players on the pitch today as he constantly popped up in between the lines for pass to help the build up. Isco was crucial in by passing the Barcelona press and keeping hold of the ball thanks to his amazing dribbling skills and his ability to hold on to the ball in tight areas. Isco constantly made right passes in transition to launch counters while he almost scored in the second half hadn’t it been for Ter Stegen’s impressive saves.

Isco was Real’s main goalscoring threat in the second half and lift the spirit up with his two chances. After those two chances Real Madrid didn’t look back as they dominated Barcelona completely winning the ball back through quick counterpress in dangerous areas. He was taken off for Luka Modric as he got tired in the second half.

Rating: 9/10

Luka Modric(RCM)

Luka Modric was subbed in for Isco and did well in slowing the game down and seeing it out after going a goal up thanks to Vinicius.

Rating: 6.5/10