PLAYER RATINGS: Lucas Vazquez shines for Real Madrid as Jude Bellingham scores winner against Barcelona… while Joao Cancelo’s struggles continue

Real Madrid took a big step towards the La Liga title after beating Barcelona 3-2 at the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side fell behind after just six minutes thanks to Andreas Christensen’s header before Vinicius Jnr leveled the game with a penalty 12 minutes later.

The visitors regained their lead thanks to Fermin Lopez’s rebound in the 69th minute, but again it didn’t last long as Lucas Vazquez struck 4 minutes later.

Jude Bellingham, just as he did in the reverse fixtures, scored the winner in added time to put Real 11 points clear at the top.

Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson gives his players notes from an exciting battle.

Real Madrid (4-1-2-1-2)

Andrei Lunin – 6

I struggled at times in the corners and I could have done better for the first goal.

Lucas Vazquez – 9

He replaced Dani Carvajal in the team and made no mistake. Scored the crucial equalizer after Barcelona took the lead. I also got the assist for the winner.

Antonio Rüdiger – 6.5

Made some crucial interceptions towards the end to cap off a great week.

Lucas Vazquez replaced Dani Carvajal in the team and made no mistake

Aurélien Tchouameni – 6.5

He returned to the side after missing the win against Manchester City due to suspension and has been solid as he has been since switching positions.

Eduardo Camavinga – 6

Struggled to contain the impressive Lamine Yamal and had to play cautiously after receiving a warning.

Luka Modric – 6

He kept the midfield going but he made a few rash tackles during the game.

Toni Kroos – 6

He might have been better off defending Andreas Christensen’s header for the opening goal.

Jude Bellingham came on late to make an impact, but his late strike sealed a huge win for Real.

Federico Valverde – 7.5

The Uruguayan was everywhere and covered a lot of ground in the midfield battle.

Vinicius Jr – 6.5

He was a constant threat throughout the match and he will wonder how he didn’t score more than the initial penalty. I got the assist for Vazquez’s equalizer.

Jude Bellingham – 7.5

He stayed late to make an impact, but his late strike sealed a huge victory for Real.

Rodrygo – 7

Causing numerous problems for Barça’s defense before being replaced by Eder Militao in the 74th minute.

Vinicius Jnr will wonder how he didn’t add to his early penalty

Barcelona (4-3-3)

André Ter Stegen – 7.5

Made some big saves to deny the hosts but wasn’t helped by some of his defenders

Jules Koundé – 7

Was relatively solid and handled some of Real’s attacks well.

Araujo-7

Made a few last resort tackles to fend off the dangerous Vinicius Jnr.

Paul Cubarsi – 6

An evening to forget for the 17 year old. His poorly timed tackle led to Vinicius’ penalty early on.

Cancel – 5.5

Another poor performance from the Portuguese defender. Vazquez was unmarked for the game’s fourth goal.

There was another poor performance from Joao Cancelo, responsible for Vazquez’s goal

Andreas Christensen – 7.5

Scored a superb header before being replaced after 45 minutes by Fermin López, who also got on the scoresheet.

Frenkie De Jong – 6 (Fermín Lopez 7)

A dull demonstration from the Dutchman and was replaced just before the break by Pedri. Fermin López, who scored the score.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5

Helped keep the midfield going and saw an effort go over the bar.

Andreas Christensen scored a superb header before coming off after 45 minutes.

Raphinha – 6.5

He passed his man a few times but flattered himself by deceiving.

Robert Lewandowski – 6

A disappointing performance from the Polish striker, who struggled to get into the match.

Yamal lamina – 7.5

He was still brilliant and most of Barcelona’s attacks went through him. This gave Camavinga a hard time.

Teenager Lamine Yamal was superb again and caused problems for Eduardo Camavinga