Rating the players’ performances in the first leg.
Marc-André ter Stegen
If not for ter Stegen, Madrid would have won this game by a lot more. He continually stood strong and put his body on the line to prevent any Madrid player from finding the back of the net.
Nothing he could really do for any of Madrid’s goals. For the first, he came to collect the cross only to see the ball fly into the space he had just vacated via Piqué’s boot. Ronaldo’s goal was also beyond him as you just have to praise a great finish and Asensio’s was so in the corner that you’d need a stepladder to reach it.
Sam’s rating: 8
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Jordi Alba
Produced an incredible goal line save in the second half. Diving into the way of a Carvajal shot to keep the score at 0-1. As he pushed forward looking for the equaliser, he left space in behind for the Madrid counter and Barcelona were punished.
Sam’s rating: 7
BB Readers’ rating: 7
Gerard Piqué
It was a strong opening Began to look shaky in the second half though. Tried to deal with a Marcelo cross when he could have perhaps left it. He didn’t hear a shout and his attempt to clear ended with the ball in his own net. Shortly after, he was left for dead by Benzema and an incredible Jordi Alba block was needed to prevent Madrid from scoring again.
The latter stages saw him regularly in trouble as Madrid countered with pace at hime. Both of Ronaldo’s and Asensio’s goals came from his side.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 5
Samuel Umtiti
Like Piqué, Umtiti started strongly and with a swagger needed for a centre back in a Clásico. As the game continued and Barcelona’s defensive structure loosened, Umtiti was left covering for dangerous counterattack's. The Madrid attack targeted Pique’s side of the defence meaning Umtiti could only watch as the ball flew into the net.
Sam’s rating: 7
BB Readers’ rating: 7
Aleix Vidal
With Messi often playing central, it was Vidal’s job to use the right flank. His speed allowed him to join the attack without leaving the defence open in the first half. However, in the second half he continued to push forward and was punished by the speed of Madrid’s counterattack. Him being out of position frequently left Piqué two on one and Madrid capitalised.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 5
Sergio Busquets
Missed a golden opportunity in the 73rd minute. The ball trickled to him on the penalty spot but the midfielder lent back and subsequently hit the ball up and over the bar.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Andrés Iniesta
Often used as the defuser of a tricky situation with his teammates finding him when Madrid where pressing. Didn’t always offer an attacking outlet as he often slowed the game when picking up the ball. Perhaps it is a sign of his age and the loss of pace or just what he has been instructed to do.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Ivan Rakitić
A very attack minded performance from the Croatian as he continually pushed forward in order to link up with the front three. He had brief sights of goal but nothing he could really capitalise on. Left the field in the 83rd minute.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Gerard Deulofeu
A fairly quiet performance from the returning winger but there were moments. Deulofeu just seemed unable to produce a final ball on more than one occasion and it was telling that his teammate Luis Suárez would often favour a harder chance than to play Deulofeu in. Was substituted in the 59th minute for Denis Suárez.
Sam’s rating: 5
BB Readers’ rating: 4
Luis Suárez
Had little influence in the first half as he was simply marked out of the game. The second half showed an improvement but you struggle to recall a single Suárez shot in the game. Dived to win Barcelona’s penalty.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Lionel Messi
Messi was forced to drop deeper and deeper to receive the ball as Madrid’s defensive organisation and man marking was very good. There were few occasions when Messi managed to get the ball under control and could attack the Madrid defence. He produced seven total shots but only two were on target.
Sam’s rating: 7
BB Readers’ rating: 7
Denis Suárez
Introduced with half an hour left, Denis Suárez did prove to be a threat down the left side but Madrid doubled up when marking him and he subsequently struggled to get the ball in to a dangerous position.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
Sergi Roberto
Played 20 minutes but didn't really contribute a lot.
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 5.5
Paco Alcácer
Only played 8 minutes.
Sam’s rating: N/A
BB Readers’ rating: 5
Ernesto Valverde
Valverde perhaps could have made his tactual changes sooner as intruding a striker with 8 minutes to go is unlikely to give enough time for h
Sam’s rating: 6
BB Readers’ rating: 6
The Team
Created few clear cut chances are were punished on the break by a superior Madrid team.
Sam’s rating: 5
BB Readers’ rating: 5
Man of the Match
Sam says: Umtiti
BB Readers say: Messi and Umtiti (35.1%)
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