Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings | Two 0s in defence

Barcelona could not have dreamt of something as bad as this, and Real Madrid could not have written a better script had they tried.

As the two sides went up against each other in the Spanish Super Cup final, the Catalans were pegged back immediately as Vinicius Jr found a way through in the seventh minute, going around the keeper and tapping the lead in.

He then scored another one three minutes later, courtesy of a brilliant assist from Rodrygo.

Robert Lewandowski cut the lead in half with a superb volley, but before the celebrations could end, Vinicius got his much-deserved first-half hattrick from the penalty spot, making things worse for Barcelona.

Rodrygo added the fourth in minute 64, after which the last 30 minutes were nothing more than a formality.

Inaki Pena: 3

Could not do much about any of the goals.

Ronald Araujo: 0

Should have started at centre-back, but him playing at right-back really messed with the defence. Was having a decent game, too, up until then, but gave away a needless penalty that was converted.

Made things worse as he received a second yellow after kicking Vinicius Jr out of frustration. Generation headloss. Pathetic performance.

Jules Kounde: 0

Kounde’s terrible form continued today in central defence as he messed up from minute one, failing to control and intercept a pass that led to Vinicius’ goal. Could not defend to save his life after that, either, and also gave away the ball for the fourth goal.

Andreas Christensen: 4

Played Rodrygo for the second goal. Was not as catastrophic as Kounde, but definitely far from his best game.

Alejandro Balde: 5

Was understandably the highest defender of the quartet, and tried to make things happen in the final third, but could not find the final ball in the final third.

Pedri: 4.5

Utterly disappointing from Pedri, who seemed to be frozen against Madrid’s incredible mid-block.

Ilkay Gundogan: 6.5

One of the very few players who continued to put in an effort until the end. Distributed the ball brilliantly and created a good chance for Ferran Torres that was saved.

Frenkie de Jong: 4

Shuffled back and forth well, and took responsibility as one of the first receivers dropping deep to collect the ball from the defence.

Lost his head a bit in the second half, making brainless fouls and hero-balling passes.

Ferran Torres: 6

Took six of the ten shots Barcelona attempted in the first-half and continued to put in a proper effort while playing on the right. Hit the bar once, and had another attempt saved at the near post.

Robert Lewandowski: 7

Was not having a particularly good game initially, losing the ball in the final third a few times, but Lewandowski eventually turned up scoring a superb volley to pull one back.

Sergi Roberto: 3

Almost invisible. Should have never started.

SUBSTITUTES:

Fermin Lopez: 4

Should have been introduced much much earlier. Could not do much with 30 minutes to spare two goals down.

Joao Felix: 6

Created a superb chance for himself combing well with Fermin, but hit it right at Andriy Lunin.

Lamine Yamal: 5

Tried a few tricks here and there, but eventually fruitless.