8 stars and 1 flop from Real Madrid's inspiring win over Barcelona
Real Madrid were winners against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday night, and a lot of focus was rightfully on Kylian Mbappe's two goals. He was not the best player on the pitch, though, as there were so many others who made fans proud on the night.
There were some brilliant performers on the night, and it is only fair to give them as much credit as someone like Mbappe, who scored the two goals, deserved.
It is a brilliant time to be a Real Madrid fan, and these players are definitely worth thanking.
8 stars and 1 flop from Real Madrid's inspiring win over Barcelona
Kylian Mbappe - star
Mbappe was instrumental in Real Madrid's win over Barcelona. Apart from scoring two well-taken goals, he was also able to help with the build-up, dropping deep multiple times to provide support to the team, while also leaving space for his teammates to go into. It won't get talked about, but Mbappe was much better than fans think.
Jude Bellingham - star
Despite making one bad decision in the final third when he and Mbappe were in a two vs one situation, Bellingham had a brilliant game. He won more duels than the entire Barcelona midfield combined, and his Zidane-esque dribbling in the build-up to the second goal was crucial. Defensive masterclass, too.
Yan Diomande - star
It is so difficult to get the ball off of Diomande, and he showcased that yet again. Diomande was brilliant all night against Barcelona, as his tireless dribbling put Barcelona in a lot of trouble.
Ibrahima Konate - star
Best defender on the night. Konate was as solid as anyone in the back four against Barcelona. His defensive IQ and brute physicality were on full display, and he cemented his position as one of the first players on the teamsheet with that performance.
Arda Guler - star
This was the first time Arda Guler looked this good playing as a winger. He isn't a winger, but his defensive coverage, dribbling, and chance creation were on full display. A brilliant pass to Eduardo Camavinga for the second goal, and some other great moves have him on the list.
Aurelien Tchouameni - star
A monstrous performance. Much-needed, too. Tchouameni was phenomenal on the defensive end, and Jose Mourinho may well have figured out how to best utilise him.
Marc Cucurella - star
Got into Lamine Yamal's head, and that is what Real Madrid needed badly. He was exceptional on the night, and won over so many Real Madrid fans with this performance. To him, that is all that mattered.
Fede Valverde - star
A huge performance at right-back from Valverde, as he was able to showcase just how good he is as a defender. Some huge defensive interventions.
Denzel Dumfries - flop
The only player who played some minutes but did not look convincing. That has been the story for Dumfries all season long.
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