Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: Los Blancos player ratings as Gareth Bale is missing in action

Andy West 02:02 03/03/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Ivan Rakitic was the match-winner as Barcelona surely wrapped up another La Liga title with a 1-0 away victory over lacklustre Real Madrid.

    The Croatia midfielder kept his composure to beat Thibaut Courtois after a smart one-two with Sergi Roberto split the host defence at Santiago Bernabeu.

    Frenchman Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane threatened at the other end, but Los Blancos offered little in the way of stopping the champions from going 10 points clear.

    Here are the Madrid player ratings:

    Thibaut Courtois 6: Made a decent stop from Suarez’s drive, but perhaps went down a little early for Rakitic’s opener.

    Dani Carvajal 7: Tried to push his team forward down the right flank but had little support from the lethargic Bale.

    Raphael Varane 7: Occasionally looked uncertain positionally as Suarez attempted to combine with runners, but worked tirelessly.

    Sergio Ramos 5: Caught napping for Rakitic’s opener and embroiled in controversy after catching Messi in the face. Erratic again.

    Sergio Reguilon 7: Continues to impress with solid defending and progressive use of the ball. Growing in confidence all the time.

    Luka Modric 7: Had one shot blocked sent a headed effort too high, and was pivotal to most of his team’s attacking play.

    Casemiro 5: Largely bypassed as Barca controlled the encounter in midfield, unable to break up the opposing side’s passing patterns.

    Toni Kroos 5: Did little to stem a flow of recent criticism with another indifferent display, and he was the first player replaced.

    Gareth Bale 4: Curled a very early free-kick too high and did very little else before departing to a chorus of whistles after an hour.

    Karim Benzema 6: Some nice link-up play but he didn’t do enough to threaten the goal, lacking conviction around the box.

    Vinicius Junior 6: Some bright moments and dangerous runs, becoming more dangerous after the break and twice going close.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Federico Valverde 6: Entered the fray for Kroos early in the second half and added some bite into midfield, but little on the ball.

    Marco Asensio 6: Came on for Bale for the final half hour, but his main highlight was a hilarious dive in search of a penalty.

    Isco N/A: Introduced as a late sub for a rare chance to impress. Looked busy and tried to prompt play but couldn’t break through.

    Recommended