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Barca Player Ratings: Copa del Rey El Clasico victory

By Luis Garcia

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 2: (L-R) Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 2, 2023 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 2: (L-R) Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 2, 2023 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Ronald Araújo: 9/10

What more can be said about Araújo’s defensive prowess? He was quick, strong, imposing in the air, and came up with a great sliding tackle to deny Vinicius Jr.’s shot at the beginning of the second half. Speaking of Vini, Araújo did a wonderful job of closing down his spaces and shutting him down on the right side. He had several key interceptions and headers in the center of the defense when asked to cover for his teammates as well. The only reason he doesn’t get a 10/10 here is his position. While it wasn’t his fault that he was playing on the right (Xavi obviously elected to play him at right-back with Vini Jr. in mind), I’ve never really been convinced by his playing there. His passing and link-up play has always been the weakest part of his game, and someone like Jules Koundé just looks more comfortable as a right-back – offensively, that is. Still an amazing match from the Uruguayan.

Jules Koundé: 8/10

Very solid game from him tonight. Defended set-pieces very well, was strong in the air, and was part of a back line that closed down spaces and didn’t let Real Madrid breathe inside the box. His passing and positioning also very dependable. Overall, really good performance.

Marcos Alonso: 8/10

To be honest, when Andreas Christensen was ruled out tonight and Marcos Alonso was selected in his place, I felt a bit of trepidation. My fears, however, were unfounded; also a very solid performance from Alonso tonight. The left-footed center-back had several key interceptions, tackles, and headers. Along with Koundé, two center-backs that didn’t seem to make any mistakes tonight.

Alejandro Balde: 8/10

Started off a bit shaky, losing a few balls early in the second half. He seemed a bit spooked by Madrid’s pressure at first, but as the game went on, his performance improved. By the second half, he was playing beautiful defense as part of this back line and came up with a key tackle to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity. With the ball at his feet, as quick and dynamic as ever.

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