La Liga 2016/17: FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid - Player Ratings
Honours were shared at the Camp Nou as Barcelona and Real Madrid played out a dull 1-1 draw to maintain Real's lead at the top at six points. Chances did not come thick and fast for both the sides as the first El Clasico of the season was tied 0-0 at half time.
Barcelona came into their own in the second half after the introduction of Andres Iniesta and Neymar's cross was headed home by Luis Suarez to give the hosts a hope of snatching all three points.
Also read: La Liga 2016-17: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid - Five Talking Points
Zinedine Zidane's decision to put Sergio Ramos in Barcelona's box for the last few minutes paid off as a perfect set piece from Luka Modric saw the Madrid captain unmarked as he yet again scored in the 90th minute to give Real a much-needed point in a tough away game.
Let's take a look at the player ratings from the most awaited match of the 2016-17 season:
FC Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6/10
The German looked shaky at the start but made two decent saves in the first half to keep the Madrid attackers at bay. He didn't have to do anything in the second half and could not do anything for Ramos' pinpoint header.
Sergi Roberto: 6.5/10
A much-improved performance from the youngster as he showed brilliant work rate to cover the right flank incessantly and also was unlucky not to score a looping header in the dying stages of the game.
Javier Mascherano: 5/10
Mascherano was lucky not to concede a penalty in the first few minutes of the game and also looked nervous at times. He made some good interceptions but should have done better from the set piece in which Real scored. He was also booked for dissent.
Gerard Pique: 6.5/10
Pique was Barcelona's best defender on the night as he passed the ball well and was strong in the air. He made some crucial tackles which also included a last ditch tackle on Marcelo in the first half.
Jordi Alba: 6/10
The left back had yet another consistent showing for the Catalans and did not give much space to either Lucas Vazquez or Marco Asensio in the second half. He was also there in the right place when his fellow defenders were out of position.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
The Spaniard has been struggling this season but was absolutely colossal for the hosts tonight. He made some crucial interceptions and looked almost unstoppable in the second half. A booking was the only blot on his eventful performance.
Ivan Rakitic: 5/10
The Croatian provided much-needed intensity in the first half but gave away possession on a number of occasions and was also out of position a couple of times. Rakitic was taken off for Iniesta which changed the tide of the game.
Andre Gomes: 6/10
The new signing put in a great shift but could not do anything that could have helped his team create openings. He was tidy in possession and kept the play ticking but failed to create anything for the hosts.
Neymar: 6/10
A disappointing first 60 minutes for the Brazilian but he showed his worth in the next 15 minutes. He delivered the cross for Barcelona's goal and also had a couple of clear-cut chances which should have been scored by him. He received a yellow card in the first half for a stamp on Mateo Kovacic.
Luis Suarez: 6.5/10
The Uruguayan scored a much-deserved goal for the hosts and also showed immense work rate to carry on pressing from the front. He linked up well with Messi in the second half but struggled in the first half. He was cautioned for dissent as well.
Lionel Messi: 7/10
Messi again had a decent outing against the arch-rivals and he had a brilliant chance in the second half to seal the game for Barcelona but shot just wide. He was creative with his passing and was neat in possession. The Argentine created a number of chances for the hosts but they were unable to make it count.
Substitutes
Andres Iniesta: 7/10
The captain showed what his team lacked in his absence as his arrival changed the dynamics of the game. Barcelona played with a renewed swagger which ultimately resulted in a goal.
Arda Turan: 6/10
The Turkish international had a good 15 minutes to prove his worth and he showed his grit and was tenacious in his short cameo.
Dennis Suarez : N/A
The former Villarreal man was introduced in the last few stages but could not do anything other than deliver a set piece in the final few moments of the match.