Final Score: Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona
Barcelona eased past Real Madrid to win the El Clasico in a stylish way and extend their lead over the defending champions to 14 points. Goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and super-sub Aleix Vidal late on helped the league leaders humiliate and embarrass the Galacticos.
At the break, it was 0-0 with Barca doing all the talking. Just after it, Suarez came up with the answer before the magical Leo Messi converted from the penalty spot to cushion a 2-0 lead. Late on, Vidal placed the ball below Keylor Navas to put the game to bed. For most parts of the game, Zidane’s men looked to be on the back foot apart from a few clear-cut chances. Surely not one of those ‘crunch’ El Clasicos.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8.5/10
Excellent stops to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and with a couple of routine saves, he summed up the most memorable clean sheet of his this season. A proud performance.
Sergi Roberto: 8/10
He was very compatible down the right. Got forward with ease, supplied a lot of accurate passes to the midfield.
Gerard Pique: 9/10
He was a symbol of solidity and blocked almost everything that came his way. He was tackling everything and was on top of the Real Madrid attackers.
Thomas Vermaelen: 6.5/10
In his first El Clasico, he looked a bit shaky. In the beginning, he had some topsy-turvy moments but showed his class and composure when Los Blancos dominated possession.
Jordi Alba: 7/10
He created many chances, especially the one where he nutmegged Modric. Stood his ground, tackled well and added a lot defensively.
Paulinho: 8/10
Very good with the ball on his feet, dribbled along with ease and showed a lot of energy. Had a couple of scoring opportunities but was denied by fabulous saves from Keylor Navas.
Ivan Rakitic: 7/10
He charged down at the Madrid defence. Had phases of play when he shone and disappeared. Nonetheless, he created chances.
Sergio Busquets: 8.5/10
He was a rock in midfield. A true ball winner, covered a lot of ground, won challenges and played the ball quickly off his feet.
Andres Iniesta: 7.5/10
He was a mixed bag. On one side, he was elusive with his passing and distribution but elsewhere, looked bleak and feeble on the ball. Overall, a smart display.
Lionel Messi: 9/10
He took a while to get going but when he did, he set the stage on fire. He was at his defence shredding best, full of pace and precision. Also, he put away an easy spot kick to kill the game off.
Luis Suarez: 8.5/10
It just took one chance for a world-class striker of his calibre to start off with a bang.
Substitutes
Nelson Semedo: 5/10
He spilt an easy chance to add the third in spite of having a big say in goal scoring positions.
Andre Gomes: N/A
Played just over 8 minutes and hence did not have much say in the match.
Aleix Vidal: N/A
Got the consolation goal but didn’t do anything apart from that. Fine finishing though.