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

Vinicius Jr(LW)

Vinicius Jr is the man on every Madridistas lips tonight as he was our main attacking threat going forward. He made brilliant runs off the ball and kept testing Pique and Semedo constantly on the left. He combined well with Kroos to score his first Clasico goal and first of the night. Vinicius is finally improving and keeping his nerves a bit better in the final third.

During every attack he made the right choice of pass and deservedly got his goal. The youngster is the main threat Real Madrid have given injury to Eden Hazard and all hopes lie on him to create something out of nowhere for his team. He did get pickpocketed by Semedo a lot while trying to dribble but did well otherwise on numerous occasions to test the Portuguese right back.

Rating: 9/10

Karim Benzema (ST)

Karim Benzema had a quiet game and his goal draught continued as missed a couple of good opportunities to score today. He has been under criticism for his lack of movement in the box and constant urge to help in the build up play.

Today, though, he was good at his off the ball movement and constantly provided a presence in the box whenever a good crossing opportunity came the teams way. He should have done better on couple of occasions and could have easily got on the scoresheet had he shown more hunger.

Rating: 7/10

Mariano Diaz (ST)

Mariano was subbed in the extra time and yet made an immediate impact with a wonderful run and a goal in the dying minutes of the game to kill the game off. He showed his hunger and explosiveness and took his surprise chance with both hands as Zidane chose him over Luka Jovic for the biggest game of the season. He didn’t disappoint at all. I am expecting more from him as an impact sub in upcoming games.

Rating: 8/10

Lucas Vazquez (RW)

He got substituted for Fede Valverde around the 86th minute mark and helped Carvajal out defensively.

Rating: 6/10