Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid: Player Ratings: Isco shines again

K. Navas

Made a number of great saves to keep Real Madrid in the game and lead. (7)

Dani Carvajal

Was solid defensively and was an extra attacking outlet. Did well against Deulofeu and Denis Suarez. (7)

Sergio Ramos

Made some key tackles and clearances. Organized the defence well and denied the likes of Suarez and Messi time and space. (7)

Raphael Varane

Complemented Ramos perfectly at centre back. Made a  number of vital blocks and tackles and did well in one-on-one situations against the Barcelona front three. (7.5)

Marcelo

Combined his defensive and offensive duties perfectly. His cross was directed into the net by Pique for Real Madrid's first goal. (7) 

Toni Kroos

Wasn't at his dominant best, but did well enough against Iniesta and Busquets in denying them time on the ball. He misplaced a number of passes but was a good fulcrum between defence and attack. (7)

Casemiro

Another commanding midfield display from the Brazilian. Tested the Barcelona goalkeeper with some long range shots, and was close to Messi for most of the game. 

Got a yellow card midway through the first half, and kept a cool head all through the game. (7.5)

Kovačić

Replacing the suspended Luka Modric, was neat and tidy in the midfield. Did a lot of defensive job on Messi and impressively didn't get into the referee's book. (7)

Isco 

The Spaniard seems to be the new jewel of the Real Madrid squad. Was effective at keeping the ball. His movements and dribbles were a beauty to behold and son were his passes. Played a key role in the Real Madrid's first goal. (8.5)

Karim Benzema

Another performance that question his capacity to function as the team's main and only striker. Rarely tested the Barcelona goalkeeper and sometimes lacked the instinct of a top nine. Unsurprisingly replaced by Ronaldo. (5)

Gareth Bale

Showed glances of the old Bale, but still a long way from where the level of performance he should be offering.  Needs to hit top form as soon as possible. (6)

Substitutes

C. Ronaldo

The protagonist of the night, came on to score the second goal, and put off his shirt during jubilation which attracted a yellow card as usual.

He was later wrongly sent off for diving, but complicated issues when he shoved the referee. Depending in the referee's report , he could get a longer ban. (7.5)

Asensio

He continued his tradition of scoring on his debut for Real Madrid in new competitions. He scored the third goal, a screamer that gives Real Madrid the cushion going into the second leg. (7)

Lucas Vasquez

Came on late and saw very little of the ball.  (5)