Real Madrid: Player Ratings from the 1-3 away win against Barcelona

Defenders

Nacho – 5/10

Nacho struggled to keep track of both Ansu Fati and Jordi Alba on the right. He completely missed Alba’s run for the first goal. He did make some vital interceptions, but he was not at his best. The Spaniard got replaced in the 43rd minute with an injury.

Raphael Varane – 7.5/10

Both the central defenders for the Royal Whites were immense against Barcelona. The organization of the backline looked suspect, but individually they gave big-game performances. Varane should shoulder some of the blame for the first goal as he did keep Alba onside.

Other than that, he cleared everything that came his way. Varane completed seven clearances, had three interceptions, and won two aerial duels.

Sergio Ramos – 8.5/10

El Classico showed how important Sergio Ramos is to Real Madrid’s defense. The Merengues had a disaster of a defensive performance against Shakhtar Donetsk midweek without El Capitan.

They looked so much better against Barcelona with the return of Ramos. And what a performance it was from him. He completed four clearances, three interceptions, three tackles, and three aerial duels.

Ramos scored the penalty that gave Los Blancos the lead and capped off the game with a brilliant tackle on Lionel Messi. Ramos also played his 31st El Classico.

Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10

Ferland Mendy kept things simple as usual on his side of the pitch. Barcelona did not get much past him, and they tried to target Nacho in the first half and Lucas Vazquez in the second.

Mendy did get caught out of position a couple of times but covered well in the follow-up. The former Lyon man did not lose possession once and completed three dribbles to get progress the ball forward.