Real Madrid: Top 7 performances from 2-0 win over Barcelona

3 of 4

Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 1, 2020. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images) /

LW Vinicius Junior

Always the catalyst for Real Madrid’s attack, Vinicius Junior drew the ire of some fans more making a few poor passes in the final third during the first half. But unlike some of his teammates, he was at least taking the initiative in the attack and would have had an assist if Karim Benzema made better runs into the box.

Vinicius fully deserved his goal, which broke the deadlock in the second half. Toni Kroos set it all up, but Vinicius made a brilliant run and kept a cool head for a deflect finish that neither superstars Gerard Pique nor Marc Andre ter Stegen could do anything about.

Further, Vini had a team-high four dribbles completed and worked hard defensively against Messi and Co. with two tackles. He is one of Real’s most important players right now.

RB Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal had the biggest turnaround from midweek against Manchester City. While many fans held him responsible for Real’s collapse against the Citizens, Carvajal was one of the standouts against Barcelona.

He shut things down defensively and did whatever he could to create chances for his teammates, answering critics forcefully on both ends of the pitch. Carvajal was in the running for Man of the Match with a team-high four tackles, tying fellow fullback Marcleo with a team-high three key passes.

The fullbacks meant everything to Real Madrid in El Clasico, and Carvajal deserves praise for stepping up. He worked hard defensively and provided accurate passing, never getting caught out by a Barca side that looked stagnant against him.

Home/Analysis