El Clasico 2011-12: Real Madrid v Barcelona Player Ratings (Real Madrid)

Iker Casillas – 8 Made some fantastic saves in the course of the match and dealt well with the Barcelona free kicks. Did not have luck on his side though as he could do absolutely nothing about the goals conceded by his side.

Fabio Coentrao – 7 The Portuguese international, who was fielded in an unfamiliar position of right back, did a fantastic job of containing Alexis Sanchez and Andres Iniesta in the first half. However, doubts crept in his mind in the second half. Coentrao was unable to contribute much in attack either through the right flank.

Pepe – 7 Real Madrid were pretty good tonight defensively. Perhaps, Pepe could have closed down Sanchez a bit better for the first goal, but aside from that, there was little he could do really. Pepe was unbeatable in the air throughout the course of the encounter.

Sergio Ramos – 7.5 Filled in at center back with Ricardo Carvalho out with injury. Ramos did a great job of containing Lionel Messi for most of the match and made some decent challenges.

Marcelo – 7 The Brazilian full back did a good job defensively however, with the threat that Barcelona posed on the counter attack, he did not have the freedom to bomb down the left flank like he normally does against other teams in the La Liga. Marcelo was extremely unlucky with the deflection that resulted in the second goal for Barcelona with Xavi’s left footed shot clearly going wide before it hit him.

Lassana Diarra – 7 A disciplined approach from Diarra in the first half as he impose his strength on the Catalans. Broke down Barcelona’s play in the middle of the park on many occasions. However, he lost his temper in the second half that led to his substitution in favor of Sami Khedira.

Xabi Alonso – 6.5 Although he seldom lost possession, Alonso could not do anything worthwhile in the match. Passed the ball far too many times to his defence when he could have launched some attacks. No through balls that caught the eye either from the Spanish national team midfielder.

Angel di Maria – 6 He was energetic all night and looked the most dangerous. However, he made some bad passes and some of his judgment was poor.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 4.5 Had an off day yet again on a big occasion. The Portuguese international had two clear chances at goal that he would have normally finished with aplomb. It seems like the occasion got to him yet again as he looked lost in the park to be frank. A forgettable day for CR07.

Mesut Ozil – 5 Could not stamp his authority on the match. The German playmaker linked up well with di Maria in the opening exchanges, however, he faded away with the course of the match and was eventually subbed for Kaka.

Karim Benzema – 8 Real Madrid’s best forward on the night. Got the goal 23 seconds into the match as he capitalized on poor defending from the Catalans. Created some decent chances that his teammates failed to take and did not miss an opportunity to make Carles Puyol look like a clown.

Substitutes

Kaka – 7 Showed some good vision and passing in the match. The Brazilian also had a shot on target saved by Valdes. It is time that he gets more starts ahead of some of his teammates.

Sami Khedira – 6 Coming on for Diarra, the German midfielder should have ideally stuck to what he knows best – break down the oppositions play and make simple passes – rather than trying to play like a visionary. Looked lost at times as he could not come to grips with Mourinho’s tactics.

Gonzalo Higuain – 5 Hardly got the ball at his feet to show what he could do. Made some good runs though.