Barcelona Player Ratings vs Real Madrid: Raphinha Impresses Despite Mbappe's Brace Sealing Clasico Victory

Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, ending Barcelona's nine-game winning streak in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe scored twice to secure the win for Madrid, closing the gap between the rivals to just three points.

Despite controlling 62% of possession and taking 17 shots, Barcelona conceded an unexpected goal four minutes before halftime when Gerard Martin’s clearance deflected off Mbappe and into the net. Raphinha equalized in the 61st minute following a clever pass from Pedri, and Barcelona pushed hard for a winner. But in the 87th minute, Gabriel Jesus lost possession, allowing Eduardo Camavinga to assist Mbappe for the decisive goal.

Barcelona Player Ratings from the Clasico

• Joan Garcia (7/10): Unable to prevent either goal, especially the second which was tapped into an almost empty net. He made three saves, including a strong parry from Arda Guler’s low effort, and showed good judgement rushing out to clear ahead of Mbappe.
• Xavi Espart (6/10): Forced off after 30 minutes due to a heavy challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni, with little chance to influence the game before being replaced by Alejandro Balde.
• Pau Cubarsi (6/10): Maintained composure on the ball and made a crucial stop on Mbappe post-break but was beaten by Camavinga in the build-up to the late goal.
• Gerard Martin (6/10): Had an unfortunate moment with his clearance that led to Madrid’s opener. Nearly redeemed himself with a point-blank header saved brilliantly by Andriy Lunin.
• Joao Cancelo (7/10): One of the more effective defenders, providing forward runs and set-piece deliveries despite being occasionally outmuscled by Yan Diomande.
• Rodri (7/10): Played neatly in the double pivot, cleared danger well on set pieces, and tested Lunin with a low shot before halftime.
• Pedri (7/10): Created the equalizer with a disguised pass to Raphinha after a shaky first half where he lost possession several times, gifting Madrid chances.
• Fermin Lopez (6/10): Active in the No.10 role, forced a deflected shot wide, was fouled repeatedly, but lacked the final pass before being replaced by Frenkie de Jong in the 74th minute.
• Lamine Yamal (7/10): Kept Cucurella occupied and came close with a curling shot late on but missed a great chance before halftime by scuffing his shot wide.
• Anthony Gordon (8/10): Impressive debut in the Clasico, consistently threatening down the left and forcing several saves from Lunin. His deflected pass set up Yamal’s big chance before the break. Booked shortly before being substituted.
• Raphinha (8/10): Barcelona’s standout player, leading by example with tireless effort and scoring a clinical left-footed goal, his 13th in La Liga this season. Remained the team’s most dangerous option until replaced late in the game.
• Alejandro Balde (6/10): Came on early for Espart, brought pace on the left, helped defend against Mbappe but received a booking late for fouling the Frenchman.
• Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Entered after 74 minutes, helped pin Madrid back, and had a goal-bound shot heroically blocked.
• Karim Adeyemi (5/10): Replaced Gordon late but struggled to make an impact and was booked for kicking the ball at Mbappe in stoppage time.
• Gabriel Jesus (5/10): Only had minutes on the field after replacing Raphinha but lost possession leading directly to Mbappe’s winning goal.
• Hansi Flick (6/10): The strategy focused on ball dominance and high pressing. Though Barcelona had the statistics advantage, they lacked the finishing touch, leaving themselves vulnerable to Madrid’s counterattack.