It isn't a real Clasico if there aren't any controversial decision from the referee, and the latest clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid was no exception.
Immediately after the whistle, Gerard Pique went on to confront Gil Manzano over his decisions, but the match's official laughed in response to the defender's complaints.
For example, the foul on Martin Braithwaite should have perhaps resulted in a penalty for the Catalans, as Ferland Mendy did pull his hand. However, the VAR didn't react.
Besides, there was this foul on Ousmane Dembele that should have been at the very least reviewed by VAR.
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Messi 5.5, Dest 2: rating Barca players in Real Madrid loss
- Oscar Mingueza — 6
The young centre-back did score a goal, but in terms of defence, Mingueza was far from his best. Oscar had a great short spell while playing at right-back, too bad Ronald Koeman quickly switched him back to the centre.
- Leo Messi — 5.5
The Argentine tried to do a lot of work offensively today, but found little support and couldn't take advantage of his own chances. Unfortunately, Messi failed to convert the few set pieces he had which could have really put us back into the game.
- Pedri — 4
The youngster looked a bit lost in the first half, committing stupid errors and fouls. In the second half, Pedri almost disappeared completely: no sharp passes, no good runs, only a few smart recoveries but that was it.
- Jordi Alba — 3
The full-back got too easily outplayed early in the first half which ended up in Barcelona conceding the first goal. Throughout the match, Alba wasn't too useful either, and his attacking contribution was far below his usual level, although he did assist Mingueza.
- Sergino Dest — 2
The right-back got completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes and it was no surprise that the coach took him off at half time. It's hard to name a single right move from Dest in the Clasico.
Others: Ter Stegen — 3, Araujo — 3.5, Lenglet — 4, Busquets — 3.5, De Jong — 6, Dembele — 3, Griezmann — 5, Braithwaite — 4, Ilaix — 5, Roberto — 4, Trincao — 4.
Leo Messi equals Sergio Ramos as player with most Clasico appearances in history
By starting in Barcelona's away match against Real Madrid, Leo Messi has equalled Sergio Ramos as the player with the most appearances in El Clasico history, with both players featuring 45 times.
The Blanco captain won't play the match as he's out with an injury.
In his 44 previous matches against Madrid, Messi recorded 26 goals and 14 assists, as per Transfermarkt. The Argentine has so far won 19 Clasicos and lost 14, while 11 matches ended in draws
