Barcelona lost the first El Clasico meeting of the season as they fell to Real Madrid by a 2-1 scoreline at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Starting XI

Wojciech Szczesny – 9

Outstanding performance from the Polish goalkeeper, who made nine saves – including one to deny Kylian Mbappe from the penalty spot. He could do little about either of Real Madrid’s goals.

Jules Kounde – 6.5

A better performance compared to recent weeks, but he did miss a huge chance to equalise in the closing stages.

Pau Cubarsi – 5.5

Struggled in the first half, better in the second before he was taken off.

Eric Garcia – 6

Did pretty well, and was perhaps unfortunate to have a penalty given against him for handball.

Alejandro Balde – 5.5

Carried little threat going forward, and was not at his defensive best either.

Frenkie de Jong – 7

Got better as the game went on.

Pedri – 6

His worst game of the season, epitomised by a late red card (second yellow) for a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni.

Lamine Yamal – 6

Very quiet afternoon for Barcelona’s main man, who was marked out of the game by Alvaro Carreras – if it is any excuse, he still does not look to be fully fit.

Fermin Lopez – 7

Scored Barcelona’s goal, and on the whole, he was very lively. However, he had a poor moment in the second half when he shot instead of playing in a teammate.

Marcus Rashford – 7

Got the assist for Lopez’s goal, which was one of a number of opportunities he was involved in.

Ferran Torres – 5

Did not look match fit at all, and that was reflected in a very disappointing performance.

Substitutes

Ronald Araujo – 6.5

Defended very well when he came on, perhaps showing that he should have started.

Marc Casado – 6

Tried to get things moving for Barcelona.

Roony Bardghji – 6

Worked hard, but had little chance to do anything.

Gerard Martin – 6

Little time to make an impact.