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Barcelona Player Ratings After Real Madrid Defeat: Raphinha Impresses as Mbappe's Brace Decides Clasico

Barcelona's unbeaten streak ended at nine games after Kylian Mbappe scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou. This defeat brings Madrid just three points behind in the league standings.

Despite controlling 62% of possession and attempting 17 shots, Barcelona conceded first when Gerard Martin's clearance deflected off Mbappe just before halftime. The equalizer came from Raphinha in the 61st minute following a clever assist by Pedri. Barcelona pushed hard for the winner but lost the ball in the 87th minute through substitute Gabriel Jesus, allowing Eduardo Camavinga to set up Mbappe for the decisive goal.

Player Ratings from the Clasico

  • Joan Garcia (7/10): Could not prevent either goal, especially the second which was tapped in an almost open net. Made three saves including a strong parry from Arda Guler’s powerful shot and cleared well outside his box against Mbappe.
  • Xavi Espart (6/10): Left the field after 30 minutes due to a heavy knock from Aurélien Tchouaméni, with limited impact before being replaced by Alejandro Balde.
  • Pau Cubarsi (6/10): Calm on the ball and made a key stop on Mbappe after halftime, but was beaten by Camavinga during the buildup to the winning goal.
  • Gerard Martin (6/10): Unfortunate in the opening goal with his clearance hitting Mbappe and going in. Nearly redeemed himself with a close header saved by Andriy Lunin later.
  • Joao Cancelo (7/10): Among the better defenders, contributed going forward and delivered set-pieces, although he was occasionally overpowered by Yan Diomande.
  • Rodri (7/10): Neat in midfield, cleared danger from set pieces and tested the keeper with a low shot near halftime.
  • Pedri (7/10): Created the equalizer with a disguised pass to Raphinha after a shaky start that saw him lose possession several times.
  • Fermin Lopez (6/10): Active in the number 10 role, forced a deflected shot wide and drew fouls but struggled to deliver a decisive final pass before being substituted for Frenkie de Jong.
  • Lamine Yamal (7/10): Kept pressure on Marc Cucurella and nearly scored with a curling effort but missed a big chance before halftime.
  • Anthony Gordon (8/10): Impressive debut in the Clasico, constantly threatening down the left and forcing saves from Lunin. His pass led to Yamal’s missed chance. Booked before being replaced late in the game.
  • Raphinha (8/10): Barcelona’s standout player, leading with relentless effort and finishing clinically for his 13th La Liga goal this season. Remained dangerous until substituted late.
  • Alejandro Balde (6/10): Came on early, added pace on the left, and defended well against Mbappe but received a late booking for a foul.
  • Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Helped keep pressure on Madrid after coming on and had a shot blocked heroically.
  • Karim Adeyemi (5/10): Came on late but failed to influence the match, receiving a booking in stoppage time for kicking the ball at Mbappe.
  • Gabriel Jesus (5/10): Brief appearance marked by losing possession that led to the winning goal.
  • Hansi Flick (6/10): His tactics focused on possession and high pressing. Though Barcelona dominated stats-wise, they lacked the finishing touch and were vulnerable on counterattacks.

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