PLAYER RATINGS: Lucas Vazquez shines for Real Madrid as Jude Bellingham nets late Clasico winner again… while one former Premier League star struggles for Barcelona
- Jude Bellingham scored again in stoppage time as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-2
- Lucas Vazquez shone with a goal and an assist while Joao Cancelo struggled
- If Erik ten Hag wins the FA Cup with Man United, does he deserve to keep his job? Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Real Madrid took a big step towards clinching the LaLiga title after beating Barcelona 3-2 at the Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side fell behind after just six minutes through an Andreas Christensen header, before Vinicius Jnr leveled the match with a penalty 12 minutes later.
The visitors regained their lead through Fermin Lopez’s rebound on 69 minutes, but again it didn’t last long as Lucas Vazquez struck four minutes later.
Jude Bellingham, as in the reverse fixtures, scored the winner in stoppage time to put Real 11 points clear at the top.
Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson gives his player ratings from an enthralling battle.
Real Madrid took a big step towards clinching the LaLiga title after beating Barcelona 3-2
Real Madrid (4-1-2-1-2)
Andri Lunin – 6
Effortless from corners and could have been better for the opening goal.
Lucas Vazquez-9
Came into the team for Dani Carvajal and didn’t put a step wrong. Scored the crucial equalizer after Barcelona took the lead. Also got the assist for the winner.
Antonio Rudiger – 6.5
Made some crucial interceptions towards the end to round off a great week.
Lucas Vazquez came into the team for Dani Carvajal and didn’t put a step wrong
Aurelien Tchouameni – 6.5
Returned to the side after missing the win over Manchester City through suspension and was solid as he has been since switching positions.
Eduardo Camavinga-6
Struggled to contain the impressive Lamine Yamal and had to play cautiously after being shown a yellow card.
Luka Modric-6
He kept the midfield moving, but made a number of rash tackles during the match.
Toni Kroos-6
Might have done better to defend Andreas Christensen’s header for the opening goal.
Jude Bellingham arrived too late to make an impact, but his late goal sealed a huge win for Real
Federico Valverde-7.5
The Uruguayan was everywhere and covered a lot of ground in the midfield battle.
Vinicius Jnr – 6.5
Was a constant threat all game and will wonder how he didn’t score more than just the early penalty. Got the assist for Vazquez’s equalizer.
Jude Bellingham-7.5
He left it too late to make an impact, but his late thumping strike sealed a huge win for Real.
Rodrygo-7
Caused Barca’s defense a number of problems before being replaced by Eder Militao in the 74th minute.
Vinicius Jnr will be wondering how he didn’t increase his penalty early in the match
Barcelona (4-3-3)
AndrĂ© Ter Stegen – 7.5
Made some big saves to deny the hosts but was not helped by some of his defenders.
Jules Kounde – 7
Was relatively solid and dealt well with some of Real’s attacks.
Araujo-7
Made a few last-ditch tackles to deny the dangerous Vinicius Jnr.
Pau Cubarsi-6
An evening to quickly forget for the 17-year-old. His mistimed tackle led to Vinicius’ penalty early on.
Cancel – 5.5
Another poor performance from the Portuguese defender. Vazquez was left unmarked for the fourth goal of the match.
There was another poor performance from Joao Cancelo, who was to blame for Vazquez’s goal
Andreas Christensen-7.5
He scored a brilliant header before being replaced after 45 minutes by Fermin LĂłpez, who also appeared on the scoresheet.
Frenkie De Jong – 6 (Fermin Lopez 7)
A muted display from the Dutchman and was replaced by Pedri just before half-time. Fermin Lopez, who got on the scoresheet.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
Helped keep the midfield going and saw a shot sail over the crossbar.
Andreas Christensen scored a brilliant header before departing after 45 minutes
Raphinha – 6.5
Dropped by his husband a few times but felt flattered to trick him.
Robert Lewandowski-6
A disappointing performance from the Polish striker, who struggled to get into the match.
Lamine Yamal – 7.5
Was bright as ever and most of Barcelona’s attacks went through him. It gave Camavinga a hard time.
Teenager Lamine Yamal was great again and caused Eduardo Camavinga problems
