Barcelona’s effort in El Clasico on Saturday was impressive, despite the final score.

Xavi Hernandez’s squad controlled for many stretches of the game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, but they were unable to pull off the victory owing to Jude Bellingham’s outstanding performance.

In the sixth minute, Ilkay Gundogan gave Barça the advantage they deserved, but two goals from Bellingham in the second half were the difference.

With this loss, Barcelona now finds itself four points behind La Liga leaders and bitter rivals Los Blancos.

Barcelona’s top player against. Real Madrid: Gavi (8/10).

Few players this season will beat Jude Bellingham for one minute, much alone 68.

Gavi beat perhaps the world’s finest player for 68 minutes on Saturday, even though Bellingham won for Real Madrid. The 19-year-old man-marked Bellingham well, making several great tackles to quell the England international.

Though he couldn’t finish the job, Gavi deserves respect for his 10 dual victories, nine ball recoveries, and four successful tackles in El Clasico on Saturday.

Honorable mention

Ilkay Gundogan: 7/10

Despite the loss, many Barca players played well.

As usual, Ronald Araujo kept Vinicius Junior quiet, Andreas Christensen was good, but Ilkay Gundogan deserves a ‘honourable mention’ for scoring.

The former Manchester City player scored his first Barcelona goal and completed 94% of his midfield passes.

Most disappointing Barcelona player vs. Real Madrid

Ferran Torres: 5/10

Barcelona lost to Real Madrid because their front three struggled.

Despite working hard, Ferran Torres failed to provide Barca a cutting edge when they were ahead.

He had no shots on goal in his hour on the pitch, which says it all.

Awful mention

Joao Cancelo: 5/10

Joao Cancelo, another Barcelona striker who struggled on Saturday, receives a pass for being out of position.