Real Madrid were absolutely battered 5-1 by bitter rivals Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the 2018-19 campaign at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Real Madrid’s disappointing form under new manager Julen Lopetegui continued as they were thrashed 5-1 by a rampant Barcelona side this weekend.
Coming into the game without a victory in their previous four La Liga encounters, Madrid were dealt an early blow as Philippe Coutinho bundled home from close range in the 11th minute. Luis Suarez then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot at the half-hour mar, after Raphael Varane fouled the Uruguayan in the box.
Real Madrid came back with more purpose and intent after the half-time break and Marcelo fired home five minutes into the second period to halve the deficit. However, Suarez added his second and third goals in quick succession to put the game to bed, before substitute Arturo Vidal scored his first goal for Barcelona to pile on the misery for the visitors.
FT: Barcelona 5-1 @RealMadrid (Coutinho 11', Suárez 30' (p), 75', 83', Vidal 87'; @MarceloM12 50')#RMClasico pic.twitter.com/VdFu1X394F
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) October 28, 2018
Real Madrid find themselves in ninth spot on the La Liga standings after ten games, seven points below leaders Barcelona. And, here’s how the Merengues’ stars fared at Camp Nou on the disastrous evening.
Thibaut Courtois: 5/10
Produced a fine save to keep out Arthur’s curling effort and was at hand to deny Barcelona a sixth goal late in the game. Not a lot he could have done about the five goals in between, however, as he was let down big time by a shambolic defence. Still, letting in five goals will have been demoralising for the Belgian on his El Clasico debut.
Nacho: 4/10
The usually reliable utility man for Madrid endured a horror outing at Camp Nou. Starting at right-back, Nacho was caught in no man’s land for Barcelona’s opener and he struggled to stem the threat of Coutinho and the onrushing Jordi Alba. Looked a tad more comfortable moving into the three-man backline after the break, but crumbled under pressure again.
Raphael Varane: 3/10
Back into the starting XI after being benched for the midweek encounter, the Frenchman was once again all over the place in the Real Madrid backline. Conceded the penalty with a clumsy tackle on Suarez and was rightly whisked off at the break by the manager.
Sergio Ramos: 4/10
The Real Madrid captain lacked the usual authority that he brings in the opening exchanges as Barcelona kept coming at him. Seemed to have improved after the switch to the 3-5-2 system at half-time, but was culpable for the fourth goal and partly responsible for the fifth one as well. There were a few strong tackles here and there, but Ramos was just not good enough.
Marcelo: 6.5/10
One of the very few Madrid players who showed some fight on the day. Was an outlet on the left side all game, more so after being moved into the wing-back position after the break. Scored his third goal in as many games to spark comeback hopes that faded soon after. Kept on running up and down the wing, before an injury forced him off the field.
Luka Modric: 4/10
Once again, the Croatian international was nowhere near the level that Real Madrid supporters have grown accustomed to from him. Had the least touches of all midfielders on the park in the first period and was constantly outshone by compatriot Ivan Rakitic. Had a great chance to equalise, but saw his effort bounce off the post.
Casemiro: 4/10
The Brazilian was nowhere to be seen as Coutinho had a free run and plenty of time to finish for the opener. Left chasing shadows for much of the first half as Barcelona dominated the midfield battle and bypassed him with great ease. Moved into the centre-back role after the break where he hardly looked comfortable.
Toni Kroos: 4/10
Another game where the German international has failed to impose himself on the proceedings. Was completely anonymous in the first period. There was a marked improvement in his game after the break and was one of Los Blancos’ better players in the brief period that they threatened. Did not offer any protection to a struggling defence.
Gareth Bale: 3/10
The man who was supposed to take over the mantle from Cristiano Ronaldo this season was nowhere to be seen at Camp Nou. Offered very little in terms of attacking threat, with the Barcelona defence dealing with him without any troubles. Booked for a rash challenge and was subbed off in the 77th minute.
Karim Benzema: 4/10
Having broken his goal-drought in the midweek against Viktoria Plzen, the Frenchman failed to carry that momentum into Sunday’s game. Completely anonymous in the first half, but started strongly after the tweak in the system. Sent a free header over the bar with the scoreline reading 2-1, which proved to be a costly miss.
Isco: 5/10
One of Madrid’s better attacking outlets, which isn’t saying much considering how poor they were all across the field. Buzzed around the field trying to make things happen, but little went his way. Did find Marcelo for the goal and was heavily involved in the mini-resurgence after the break, but faded again.
Substitutes
Lucas Vazquez: 6.5/10
Half-time substitute for Varane, the Spaniard slotted in at right wing-back and added more purpose and energy to Madrid’s forward play, exploiting the spaces left behind by Alba. Was involved in the build up to Marcelo’s goal and then fired in a brilliant cross for Benzema, who headed over. An effective substitution, but influence faded with time.
Marco Asensio: N/A
Came on for Bale with less than fifteen minutes on the clock. Made little impact on the proceedings.
Mariano Diaz: N/A
Replaced Marcelo in the 82nd minute.
