FC Barcelona

3.31

• 
  166

  298

  2.50

  Víctor Valdés

  A rather uneventful outing for the Barcelona custodian, but he should be disappointed with himself for letting Ronaldo’s saveable shot squeeze in at the near post.

• 
  172

  273

  2.50

  Daniel Alves

  Caught ball watching in the build-up to the opener, leaving Ronaldo in plenty of space to drill home. He was then taken off after only 27 minutes with a suspected injury, with Montoya coming on in his place.

• 
  318

  185

  3.50

  Jordi Alba

  A somewhat subdued display from Alba in the first-half as he often saw his route forward on the left flank blocked by the defensive diligence of Di Maria and Arbeloa. Looked more dangerous after the break though, as he was able to maraud down the flanks in his usual manner.

• 
  196

  251

  2.50

  Adriano

  Surprisingly picked ahead of Song in an unfamiliar role at centre-back. Thankfully for him, Madrid did not always look to exploit his aerial weakness at they often played on the ground. But even that did not save him, as a miscommunication with the rest of the backline saw him play Ronaldo onside for Madrid’s second.

• 
  258

  240

  3.50

  Cesc Fàbregas

  Began brightly as he looked lively in attack during the opening stages of the match. His positivity did not endure though as he found himself shunted to the periphery of proceedings at times. Withdrawn shortly after the hour mark.

• 
  341

  189

  3.50

  Xavi

  In many ways a typical Xavi performance, as he kept things ticking in the attacking third with a good display of passing and positioning. Efficient and aware in possession, but Barca could have done with a bit more cutting edge.

• 
  338

  185

  3.50

  Andrés Iniesta Luján

  Returned to the starting lineup but did not always look his usual self in the first-half. Embarked on one or two fleet-footed runs, but he appeared slightly rusty as he was a step too slow when making decisions on the fly. He seemed back in sync after the break though, and was able to get involved in a few promising attacks.

• 
  292

  203

  3.50

  Javier Mascherano

  Looked composed when tracking the Madrid runners whenever the ball was on the floor. A little shaky on set pieces, but otherwise, he hardly put a foot wrong at the back.

• 
  304

  210

  3.50

  Busquets

  Provided the makeshift Barcelona defence with a good degree of protection. He made tackle after tackle to halt Madrid in their tracks, and recycled possession in his typically efficient manner.

• 
  620

  469

  5.00

  Lionel Messi Top of the Match

  Matched Ronaldo blow for blow in a captivating battle with the Portuguese. Was quickest to react when poking in his first goal, and echoed his exploits in August's Supercopa with another astounding free kick that beat Casillas all ends up.

• 
  257

  213

  3.50

  Pedro

  His first thought when his side were in possession was to drift into the right channel, which provided his side with some much needed width. His deliveries from the flanks were often intercepted by Madrid, but one cross did inadvertently set the events of Messi’s first-half goal in motion.

Substitutions

• 
  288

  165

  3.00

  Montoya

  Solid enough in defence after replacing Alves in the first-half, and nearly scored an unlikely winner with a late shot that cracked against the woodwork.

• 
  234

  209

  3.00

  Alexis Sánchez

  His pace gave the weary Madrid defenders another problem to solve, but he could have timed his runs better as the offside flag pulled him up a handful of times.

Real Madrid CF

3.33

• 
  256

  246

  3.00

  Iker Casillas

  Not given the sternest of tests from Barca but made no mistake with routine tasks. No chance for both of Messi's goals.

• 
  267

  267

  3.00

  Pepe

  Overcommitted himself in a failed attempt to head clear a high ball in the box and as a result was left helpless as Messi stole in behind him to make it 1-1. Otherwise, his aggressive defending was key in putting a stop to Barcelona whenever they attacked.

• 
  279

  191

  3.50

  Sergio Ramos

  Showed no hesitation in putting himself about and using his physicality to disrupt Barcelona. Predictably dominant in the air against the short Blaugrana frontline, and kept his reckless side in check throughout in a solid showing.

• 
  256

  208

  3.00

  Marcelo

  As ever, Marcelo needed no second invitation to get forward and support the attack, and he caught the eye with his role in working the opener. In defence though, a few lapses in concentration saw him tucked too far infield, affording the likes of Pedro an avenue forward.

• 
  247

  209

  3.50

  Arbeloa

  Hardly offered any attacking impetus, but that was never in his plans as he gave an admirable account of himself in defence. Stuck to his task and made it extremely hard for Barca to breach his flank, and he drifted inside the box on occasions to make a few crucial interceptions.

• 
  307

  192

  3.50

  Sami Khedira

  Injected energy and hustle into the Madrid midfield. He patrolled the space in front of the back four to provide cover wherever it was needed, and got forward once or twice to good effect, adding an extra cog in attack.

• 
  457

  198

  4.00

  Mesut Özil

  The German international was in tune with his team-mates in attack, especially when orchestrating on the break. Whenever he got involved he was decisive – as perfectly shown by his inch-perfect through ball to release Ronaldo to score. Taken off for the final stretch.

• 
  264

  204

  3.00

  Xabi Alonso

  Proved decent whenever he looked to set his side in motion on the counterattack. He was not afraid to ruffle a few Blaugrana feathers, but could count himself lucky not to see a red card for two entirely bookable offences – one of which led to the free kick that Messi converted.

• 
  292

  209

  3.50

  Ángel Di María

  Rather hit or miss in attack, as some successful dribbles were contrasted with moments of sloppiness, such as a glaring miss from a rebound in front of an open goal. What cannot be faulted though is his defensive contribution, as he raced back in his own half at every opportunity to lend Arbeloa a helping hand on the right flank.

• 
  659

  438

  5.00

  Cristiano Ronaldo

  Once again the leading light for Madrid in another Clasico. Opened the scoring with a well-placed goal, and was equally adept at facilitating his side in attack time and time again. He was simply too fast and too deadly for Barca to handle when he stole in to slot home his second goal. A virtuoso display.

• 
  265

  315

  2.50

  Karim Benzema Flop of the Match

  Moved intelligently in attack, and assisted Ronaldo’s opener with a swift turn and pass. But for all his link-up play, his shooting was woeful, as he missed the target embarrassingly with a clear shot, then hit the crossbar in front of an open goal. Taken off in the second-half.

Substitutions

• 
  212

  241

  2.50

  Gonzalo Higuaín

  Never really got a sight on goal after he came on for the latter stages of the game.