Neymar vs Bale: Brazilian comes out on top

Neymar won the battle of new signings

El Clasico may have had the duel between the two best players in the world in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as its top billing, but there was also an interesting battle between two supporting actors.

For summer signings Neymar and Gareth Bale, the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou was their introduction to one of the most historic rivalries on the planet.

Barcelona and Lionel Messi obviously emerged as winners of their respective clashes with a 2-1 win to extend their lead at the top over Real to six points, but who was the winner in Neymar vs Bale?

It was a resounding victory for the Brazilian.

Not only did he score his first ever El Clasico goal, he was a constant thorn in Los Blancos’ side allowing his team-mates to take advantage of the space created by his movement.

In contrast, Bale did little to justify his exorbitant price tag and was largely a peripheral figure throughout with Ronaldo taking centre stage.

The statistics go a long way in backing Neymar’s cause over Bale’s, with the Brazilian taking on his man successfully two out of four times while the Welshman failed on his only attempt.

Neymar also showed signs of adapting to the Barcelona pass and move philosophy with a 76 per cent pass completion rate – including two key passes – while Bale gave the ball away with nearly every second ball – an abject pass completion rate of 54 per cent.

Bale did show his strength however, winning three of his four headed duels while Neymar only won one of two, but the Brazilian is not a player suited for such things with a slight frame.

And of course, the scoreline is often said to be the only fact that matters, and Neymar contributed directly with a composed finish through two defenders, nestling in the far bottom corner of the net.

Bale, on the other hand, had a game to forget and picked up a booking for his trouble just before the break. Overall, Neymar recorded a hefty Squawka Performance Score of 41 while Bale will be disappointed with his own rating of -21.

However, It is early days yet for both players and they will have the rest of the campaign to continue proving their undoubted talents and justify the fees paid for them.

Judging from the latest iteration of El Clasico though, Neymar has a head start over his rival.