El Clasico 2012: Grades and Analysis for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Barring a complete choke job down the stretch, Real Madrid has wrestled away the La Liga crown from three-time defending champ Barcelona. 

They took Saturday's pivotal showdown at Nou Camp, 2-1. With that, they opened up a seven-point lead with just four matches remaining on both of their La Liga schedules. 

This was a thrilling defensive battle that saw Real Madrid hang onto a 1-0 lead, on the strength of a first-half goal by Sami Khedira, into the 70th minute. 

Alexis Sanchez netted an equalize in the 70th minute, but Barcelona's restored hope was not meant to be long-lived.

Just three minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo broke away from the defense, received a pass and drove it home for the game's decisive goal. 

Needless to say, it was a huge goal. It helped Real finish off their rivals in not just that match, but also for the entire campaign. And as if that wasn't enough, it was Los Blancos 109th team goal in the league, which set a new record. 

Barcelona has a fairly easy slate of games to finish out their La Liga action. They could easily win all four. The problem is, for them, that Madrid's closing games are just as easy. 

Unless Madrid forgets how to play from now until their next game, they will not let this lead slip away. 

Check out the grades for key players from this fun and pivotal match. 

Grades for Key Barcelona Players

Victor Valdes: B

Valdes allowed two scores, but it is hard to fault him for either. The first came moments after he made a nice save on a corner. 

Unfortunately for Valdes, and his teammates, Puyol couldn't clear the ball and Khedira was free for a relatively easy score. 

The second goal he was one-on-one with Ronaldo, and you can't expect any goalie to come out victorious with that matchup. 

Lionel Messi: C-

Most matches it is impossible not to notice Messi. This match it was hard to tell he was even competing. 

The all-world player seemed to be one step behind the action all night. He wasn't creating opportunities and he wasn't scoring. It was a definite off night for the star, and you almost have to wonder if he was slowed by a lingering injury. 

Xavi: C

Xavi didn't make an impact in this game. Although he came close. He was narrowly denied a goal when Casillas just caught a piece of the ball to send it off right.

Xavi came off the pitch in the 69th minute. That is a horrible effort for a player of his caliber, but he was not 100 percent. So he gets a bit of a pass. 

Grades for Key Real Madrid Players

Iker Casillas: B+

Casillas allowed just the one goal, and that came on a rebound. It was a solid effort for the goalkeeper. Barca has been scoring goals at a phenomenal rate headed into this match, and he held them to just the one.  

Cristiano Ronaldo: A

When you score the game-winner in a match with the La Liga title on the line, chances are your grade is going to be pretty good. 

This was a statement game for Ronaldo as he thrust himself into the middle of the spotlight as Messi failed to do much of anything. 

Sergio Ramos: A-

Ramos was on top of his game on Saturday, and when that happens, he truly has no equals among defensemen. 

Ramos anchored the defense with his superb play.