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Barcelona : Sergi Roberto steals the show in the El Clásico

By Chiranjib Ghosh

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 23: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 23: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /
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Sergi Roberto was at his best against Real Madrid

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 21: Sergi Roberto Carnicer of Barca in action during the La Liga 2017-18 match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at Camp Nou on 21 October 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 21: Sergi Roberto Carnicer of Barca in action during the La Liga 2017-18 match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at Camp Nou on 21 October 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images) /

The Barcelona players were booed off the pitch by Real Madrid fans after they had outplayed Los Blancos and beaten them 3-0. But one player was missing, one player who deserved the most number of boos from Real fans, Sergi Roberto.

The La Masia product showed the world why Europe’s best clubs are clamoring to obtain his services. He started the match as right-back, and showed great determination in repelling the repetitive attacks of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo.

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He stood strong as Ronaldo and Marcelo ended the first half frustrated. Roberto put his heart, soul and body on the line for his team. But as the game progressed, he found more opportunities to go forward and he finally found a way to break the Real Madrid defence in the 54th minute.

After a brilliant solo run by Ivan Rakitić, he received the ball from Lionel Messi and put through an excellent, defence-splitting pass. Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane were left standing as Luis Suárez swept home first-time, under Keylor Navas.

As a result, Ernesto Valverde rewarded him with more independence on the pitch, bringing on Nélson Semedo in place of Andrés Iniesta. He moved into midfield, with Semedo slotting into the full-back position.

In midfield too, Sergi Roberto excelled. He had the physicality to shrug off the massive Toni Kroos, and fought several physical battles. He also found key passes. Even though he couldn’t find the back of the net, Sergi Roberto was easily the best player on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Next: Barcelona blank Real Madrid 3-0

It will be a huge loss for Barcelona if he leaves the club in January. Roberto has grown to become the complete package, and is one of the most important players in the squad. The club owes him for sacrificing for the betterment of the squad, and the management should give in to his contract demands, in order to retain him.