Top 6 hits and misses of the El Clasico

A disappointed Lionel Messi looks on as Ronaldo and Kroos celebrate Real Madrid’s victory over BarcelonaThe biggest match in club football turned out to be a spectacle as it lived up to its high standards and expectations. Both sides looked determined to outclass and outperform each other and stomp their authority over the league. Real Madrid had more on the line as nothing short of a win would aid their chances in the title race. Whereas for Barcelona, it was all about gaining a bigger margin and sitting at the top with a comfortable lead.With only three minutes gone, Barcelona kicked things off at the Bernabeu through Neymar who gave an early lead to the visitors, silencing the Bernabeu faithful. But that didn’t hurt Real’s moral as they began to settle into the game with every passing minute and replied from a Ronaldo penalty.Real took the lead in the second half after Pepe headed Kroos’ delivery from the corner before Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema and James all combined perfectly as the Frenchman slotted in Madrid’s thrid to secure a convincing victory over their arch rivals.While Ancelotti yielded the fruits of his appropriately setup tactics, Luis Enrique had to suffer for making some questionable decisions in arguably the biggest game of his career since taking on the managerial seat at Camp Nou. Were the players up to the mark for Lucho?We take a look at some of the focal players and how they fared at the game.

#6 Suarez - Hit

Even though, he registered no shots and had zero attempts on goal for Barcelona, the Uruguayan’s return to the footballing pitch was marked by one assist in his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu. He squared off Neymar for his first goal and also set up Messi for another, which could have doubled the Catalan side’s lead if not for Casillas’ brilliant block.

He caused problems here and then but was nullified by Ramos and Pepe for most parts. Nonetheless, his return itself was a great prospect and brightened up an already star-studded Clasico. Judging from the performance he gave after an absence of four months, the former Liverpool forward will need some amount of time to adjust to his team before he becomes a devastating force for Enrique alongside Messi and Neymar.

#5 Pique- Miss

Gerard Pique was inadvertently responsible for Real Madrid equalising in the first half. Neymar’s early lead was cancelled because the 27-year-old tried to block a Marcelo cross by siding in his penalty area which ended up touching his hand as the referee immediately awarded Madrid with a penalty.

Barcelona conceded their first goal in La Liga as Ronaldo converted from the spot. Madrid went to score twice from then on as Barca were often caught napping in the counter and Pique found it difficult to contain the trio of Benzema, Ronaldo and James Rodriguez. On one instance, he retained a pass aimed for Benzema 5-6 yards well ahead but then gave away possession cheaply to the Frenchman which summed up his poor outing on the night.

His form has been worrying the Camp Nou faithful as he has shown to be a liability in big games quite often.

#4 Isco- Hit

The former Malaga man once again showed Ancelotti why he deserves a place in the starting line up as his determination and work rate was pivotal behind Madrid dominating Barcelona in the centre.

Isco was both a playmaker and the destroyer as he covered the left flank in defense and often won the ball from his opponents. It was his effort to get to the ball ahead of Iniesta that resulted in the third goal as he found Ronaldo who shifted the play to his right and combined with Benzema as he played a one-two with James and drove it into the right corner of the net.

The 23-year-old was effective in possession and maintained the shape in the centre of the park. It was a performance that earned the Bernabeu’s respect as they chanted “Isco, Isco” when he was substituted in the second half.

#3 Neymar- Hit

The Brazilian was the only threat that Real Madrid had to endure in the game. His slick finishing gave Barcelona the early lead. Even though he was contained for larger parts of the game after his goal, Neymar looked to take on defenders and make something happen for the Azulgranas even when his team looked out of ideas.

With his 9^th goal of the season, the 22-year-old has had a good start to his second season. On a forgettable night for the Barca supporters, it was Neymar who was the only light shinning at the end of a dark tunnel.

#2 Karim Benzema - Hit

Since his arrival at the Bernabeu back in 2009, Karim Benzema has had a mixed life in the capital of Spain. The Frenchman received his fair share of criticism from the fans and has been booed quite often for his inconsistent performances.

But on the most important game of the season, the 26-year-old repaid Ancelotti’s trust by putting on a majestic performance for the whites. He did miss two chances early in the first half but was involved in all of Real’s play and was a constant thorn for Mascherano and Pique. The third goal was buried by him which capped off a fine performance from the former Lyon striker.

#1 Lionel Messi - Miss

Predicted to break Zarra’s record in this game, Lionel Messi had his opportunity in the first half after Suarez delivered a low cross into the box. But the Argentine was denied by Iker Casillas in front of goal.

From then on, it is very difficult to pinpoint any moment where the 27-year-old was decisive for his side. There were glimpses of Messi’s brilliance on the ball when he took on the opposition, but it lacked penetration in the final third.

In the second half, he had to drop deeper to receive the ball and slowly faded away as the game progressed. A wayward freekick in the final minutes summed up a lacklustre night for the former Ballon d’Or winner.