Los Blancos were absolutely brilliant against Barcelona. It’s all a question of perspective, says Michael Yokhin

So you think Real Madrid were swept aside by the glorious Barcelona last night? You better think again. All Jose Mourinho’s starters made their mark on the game, and their contribution must not be under-rated. Just have a look at what they did… They were simply sensational!

Iker Casillas – Amazingly photogenic with hands crossed on his chest, looking at his team-mates with admiration. There is no doubt Sara Carbonero told him to pose for the cameras that way, before going to cheer for Barcelona with her Atletico-crazy family.

Sergio Ramos – The first ever player to be sent off in stoppage time twice in the same week. Jerzy Dudek didn’t need to give him instructions this time. The brave right back knew himself what he had to do to make history.

Ricardo Carvalho – Absolutely brilliant in getting Lionel Messi booked. His elbow was up so immaculately that he didn’t get into trouble himself, but still made the Argentinian fall to the ground. One must say Carvalho’s height is perfect for such a dream move.

Pepe – By far the best Portuguese on show, even taking the bench into consideration. He was at fault for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s winner last year, but learned his lesson, and the Swede was simply nowhere to be seen this time.

Marcelo – The only Real player to have an assist in the game, superbly setting up Xavi. He was also close to scoring himself, but Pedro outpaced him for the ball on the second goal.

Sami Khedira – Sported a fantastic multicolored shirt in the second half, with half of his back deep yellow. There is no doubt Adidas designers took notice, and he is up for a huge bonus from them.

Xabi Alonso – By far the best Number 14 on the field, completely outplaying former Liverpool team-mate Javier Mascherano. And we all know only too well what it means to wear such a magic number at Camp Nou!

Mesut Oezil – Came to learn from Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and was so studious and diligent that Mourinho was impressed and chose to let him have a better look from the bench in the second half, providing the German with his favourite notebook and a few pens.

Angel Di Maria – Such a nice lad! His former side Benfica got thrashed 5-0 in Portugal’s Clasico by Porto this month, and compassionate as he is, Di Maria felt he simply must do the same, so that his old friends don’t suffer alone.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Pushing Pep Guardiola was a stroke of genius. CR7’s actions completely changed the game’s momentum for a few minutes. With all the fists flying around, Barcelona couldn’t even manage a single pass for a while. He also expertly avoided the heavy tackle by the onrushing Victor Valdes.

Karim Benzema – Was so good that Mourinho allowed him to play the full 90 minutes for the first time in La Liga this season. He even managed to be caught on camera at least once in each half. There is no doubt the France squad sorely missed him in South Africa, since he showed the world how to go on strike when it matters most.