Real Madrid player ratings vs Barcelona: Valverde steps forward as Supercopa hero

Real Madrid secured their place in the final of the Supercopa de Espana in an enthralling encounter against rivals Barcelona, with Fede Valverde proving the hero in extra time to make it 3-2.

The Uruguayan is no stranger to Supercopa extra time heroics and his calm finish means that Los Blancos will compete for the season's first piece of silverware on Sunday against either Athletic Club or Atletico Madrid.

There were several stellar performances across the park from those in white, from Nacho at the back to Vinicius up front.

Courtois

He had to be at his best to keep Barcelona out during their spell of dominance, but there was nothing he could do as Luuk de Jong levelled the scoring in fortunate fashion. The Catalans pressed him and put him under real pressure.

Carvajal

After a month on the sidelines the full-back returned, going straight into the XI. He was made to suffer on occasion, but he played an important part in the second goal.

Lucas Vazquez

He came on late and had his hands full with Dembele.

Nacho

The defender reappeared due to David Alaba's late issues. He had problems dealing with Luuk de Jong but made some good challenges late on.

Militao

Another player who didn't have his best night, but he can't have been helped by losing his defensive partner so late on.

Mendy

It was in the Supercopa two years ago that he sealed his place in Los Blancos' XI over Marcelo, and he contributed to their second goal on the night after a tricky hour or so.

Casemiro

In his umpteenth battle with Sergio Busquets, he didn't have things all his own way.

Kroos

He had some uncharacteristic mistakes on the night, struggling to find his rhythm on the night. He didn't have his usual confidence or precision in possession.

Modric

He arrived in Saudi Arabia in fine form, and every time he had the ball it looked like something could happen. Everything he did, as ever, looked good.

Valverde

He came on for Modric with less than 10 minutes of the 90 left but Barcelona equalised instantly. As soon as extra time started, he denied Ansu Fati from shooting on goal. He was the controversial 'hero' of the final two years ago against Atletico after hacking down Alvaro Morata and, on Wednesday, he sent Madrid to the final with a calm finish.

Asensio

He has confirmed his place ahead of Rodrygo Goes under Carlo Ancelotti, and he came close with a couple of first-half chances. His shooting was a little wayward, but the fact that he shot at all is a sign of his growing confidence.

Rodrygo

He came on in the 68th minute and looked to link up with Benzema, as Vinicius has so successfully this season.

Benzema

Once again, the No.9 was Real Madrid's star performer. He played his part in the opener, picking Busquets' pocket and setting Vinicius through, and he scored the second. It was his 23rd of the season, and the 38th to come from either him or VInicius.

Vinicius

Barcelona had no way of stopping him in the Camp Nou Clasico, and he had the fans on their feet every time he touched the ball on Wednesday. He exploited space and looked dangerous, again linking well with Benzema in the final third.

Camavinga

Came on for Vinicius in extra time but was wasteful.

Ancelotti

Presented with a late problem in Alaba having to pull out of contention, he managed the situation and Real Madrid set up to counterattack Barcelona. His side found themselves dominated more than they'd have liked, but Rodrygo's introduction gave them new life.