Tracking Performances of Real Madrid, Barcelona Stars After Jan. 10-11 Weekend
Our focus on Spain's two biggest clubs continues after the winter break as we keep a close eye on the Galacticos at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
We're tracking the displays and statistics of the world's top two talents (Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo), the two big signings of last season (Neymar and Gareth Bale) and the two biggest signings of the summer just gone (Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez) throughout the campaign.
Real in Cruise Mode
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Real Madrid might have lost back-to-back games against Valencia and Atletico Madrid of late, but it was very, very routine for them to return to winning ways against Espanyol at the weekend. They were not once tested, even after going down to 10 men, with all three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez starting the 3-0 victory.
Ronaldo started on the left-hand side of the attack and, early on, looked as though he could have a big say on the game.
He escaped inside the full-back once early on, then shortly afterward did so again to great effect. He latched onto a lofted pass and managed to turn the ball back, first time, with a terrific cut-back into the path of Rodriguez, who scored the opening goal of the game.
From that point onward it was easy going for Real, and that didn't really suit Ronaldo, who wanted the ball played in to his feet quicker at times. His frustration grew throughout the game as chances didn't fall his way, snap shots went off target and, noticeably, when Bale failed to square the ball to him as the chance for a late goal passed him by.
"Bale and Ronaldo go one on one, Bale refuses to pass. Ronaldo furious. #reaesp https://t.co/NFcjdo4KgD
— 433LIVE (@433LIVE) January 10, 2015"
Bale was again on the periphery of things, starting from the right of the front three, but he netted the best goal of the game with his terrific free-kick.
"Gareth Bale's Free Kick! https://t.co/2LFEU77EK1
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) January 11, 2015"
The Welshman wasted a couple of other opportunities, though, and seemed hesitant to go past his man into space at times. He needs a few more games with good performances to get somewhere back to his true capabilities.
It was indeed Rodriguez who was the best of the trio for most of the first hour, patrolling the centre of the pitch with Isco and making plenty of incisive passes into the final third—but he was subbed shortly into the second half after Real were reduced to 10 men.
Player ratings: Cristiano Ronaldo, 7/10. Gareth Bale, 7/10. James Rodriguez, 8/10.
Barcelona Win Table-Top Clash
The big game of the weekend was also the final match: Barcelona hosting Atletico Madrid, second vs. third. The Catalan club came out on top, winning 3-1 in a tempestuous fixture.
All three of the big guns started up front: Neymar left, Suarez central and Messi right.
Not only that, but all three of them scored a goal apiece as the electric trio really came to life, combining superbly with each other and creating chances.
"Suarez, Neymar and Messi. Pretty boss celebration to be fair! https://t.co/5GZWaXSrNG
— Scott (@RedsOrDead) January 11, 2015"
For Neymar, it was a return to the form that makes him a potential top player in the world. He repeatedly left Juanfran for dead down the flank, showed all his great skills and pace, scored the all-important first goal and tracked back extremely well. Even under provocation of heavy challenges, the Brazilian took it all in his stride and put in a first-class performance.
He simply has to do it more often—it's been a few weeks since we witnessed this kind of display.
Suarez was busy and aggressive in his running throughout, alternately dropping wide and looking to run beyond the defence, giving his team an outlet and starting the pressing from the front. His goal was extremely well-taken to put Barcelona two goals ahead, after he had claimed an assist of sorts for Neymar's opener.
The Uruguayan had a few contentious moments with challenges—by him and on him—but largely kept his cool and made a telling difference.
Messi floated around as he is wont to do, causing havoc with ceaseless dribbles infield and always looking to open up play by getting Dani Alves on the overlap. He set up Suarez with one such dribble and pass—though there was a definite hand-ball at the beginning of the move. Messi later linked with Ivan Rakitic to score the final goal himself.
Player ratings: Lionel Messi, 9/10. Luis Suarez, 9/10. Neymar, 10/10.
Matchday Stats Comparison
| Messi | 90 | 90 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 1 |
| Suarez | 90 | 39 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Neymar | 90 | 67 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| James | 53 | 63 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Bale | 90 | 55 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Ronaldo | 90 | 50 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Season Stats Comparison
| Messi | 17 (1) | 16 | 98 | 8 | 2.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Suarez | 9 (1) | 2 | 394 | 6 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 1.6 |
| Neymar | 11 (4) | 12 | 86 | 3 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 2.3 |
| Ronaldo | 16 | 26 | 55 | 9 | 2.5 | 6.1 | 1.7 |
| Bale | 14 | 8 | 150 | 3 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 1.9 |
| James | 16 | 6 | 211 | 5 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 0.8 |
