A great night for Real Madrid fans as the club got a great victory over their eternal rivals, FC Barcelona, and regained the top position on the league table that had temporarily been lost to Girona.
The Catalans were quick to take the lead, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring the first goal of the match, as David Alaba failed to properly clear a ball in the penalty area. Xavi’s men kept up the pressure throughout the first half, but the story changed completely as Ancelotti brought in his substitutes in the second half.
The arrival of Camavinga, Modric, and Josely helped Madrid regain control of the game and dictate the tempo. The Merengues were able to translate this pressure into goals, as Jude Bellingham scored a delightful goal from way outside of the penalty area, to equalize the score.
The Englishman then went on to score another goal from very close range after a miscontrolled Modric ball fell to his feet. This goal meant Real Madrid have won the first El Clasico this season.
The following section rates how the Real Madrid players fared in this match:
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 7.0
Was left helpless by the defence as Ilkay Gundogan came too close to the Real Madrid goal to score the opening goal of the match. Made an important double save on Araujo’s shot in the second half to keep Real Madrid in contention for a win.
Dani Carvajal: 8.0
The Spaniard keeps up the good form that he has been showing throughout the season. Was one of the few players who performed well in both halves, and played a prominent role in the winning goal scored by Bellingham. Also made a great tackle on Felix to prevent him from getting clear on goal after nutmegging Rudiger.
Toni Rudiger: 7.0
Joao Felix got the better of the center-back with a humiliating nutmeg, but the German was otherwise solid in the defense. Made some crucial aerial clearances, and also led the Madrid backline effectively.
David Alaba: 5.5
Another poor game for the Austrian as his failure to properly clear the ball led to Gundogan’s goal in the sixth minute of the match. Ancelotti might have to put Nacho ahead of him if Alaba is unable to improve his form soon.
Ferland Mendy: 6.0
Defended well against Joao Felix, but contributed almost nothing to Real Madrid’s attack during his time on the pitch. Was substituted early in the second half and Camavinga’s arrival showed just what Madrid were missing with Mendy on the pitch.
Aurelien Tchouameni: 6.0
His deflection set up Gundogan, putting him in a clear position to target Real Madrid’s goal in the opening minutes, ultimately resulting in Real Madrid trailing to Barcelona.
However, he improved as the game went on, making some important interceptions when Barcelona were threatening. He also forced a save from Ter Stegen with a thunderous strike from a long way out.
Fede Valverde: 6.0
Was kept locked to the right flank for most part of the first half as he had to help Carvajal contain Balde’s runs. Was more of a menace to Barcelona in the second half as his energy and stamina became too much to handle for the already tired legs of Xavi’s players.
Toni Kross: 6.0
Won some balls in the first half in the midfield, but it was clear that the German was struggling against the highly dynamic Barcelona midfielders, Gavi and Fermin Lopez.
Jude Bellingham: 9.5
Once again, the hero for Real Madrid, and this time with a crucial brace against the most hated of Merengues’ rivals. Was relatively quiet for most part of the game, but his two goals completely and literally changed the match in Real Madrid’s favour.
Vinicius Junior: 5.5
The Brazilian was once again kept quiet by Ronald Araujo in this match, but it was clear that Vinicius was trying more to get favorable decisions from the referee and arguing with Barcelona players and Xavi, than actually trying to focus on the match and help Real Madrid on the pitch.
Still, kept running at Barcelona’s defenses to keep them at bay and tire them out till the final moments of the match.
Rodrygo Goes: 5.0
Rodrygo’s goal against Braga has still not been able to get the youngster back to his best at the front of the Real Madrid attack. Was ineffective throughout the match, and needs to improve his game both on and off the ball.
