da betsul： The centre-back was run ragged by Vinicius Jr in a display that summed up a miserable defensive performance from the Spanish champions

da bwin： Barcelona's defence used to be their strength. This season, though, it is perhaps their most glaring weakness, something encapsulated by a miserable performance at the back in their 4-1 Spanish Supercopa final defeat to Real Madrid. Ronald Araujo, uncharacteristically, played chief culprit, giving away a needless penalty and getting himself sent off to conclude a morbid night for the Blaugrana.

Barca turned in a catastrophic first half, as their high defensive line was near suicidal against a pacey Madrid attack. Los Blancos took advantage, as Vincius Jr scored twice in less than two minutes, both goals coming from simple passes behind the Barcelona defence.

Xavi's side offered something of a response, though. Ferran Torres fired a shot off the crossbar before forcing a duo of neat saves out of Andriy Lunin. Robert Lewandowski then did pull one back after half an hour, driving a volley past Lunin from the edge of the box.

But their defensive issues showed up once again, and it was Araujo who was at fault for the third, pulling Vinicius down inside the box. The penalty, tucked into the bottom corner, was a formality as the Brazil forward completed his hat-trick before half-time.

Things didn't get any better after the break, as Jules Kounde provided a kind — if inadvertent — layoff for Rodrygo to tucked the ball into the bottom corner for a 4-1 lead.

Araujo capped off the misery in style, clattering Vinicius from behind and earning a foolish second booking, despite his protests. Barca were simply chasing shadows as the minutes wore on, while Xavi cut a miserable figure as he watched his side be torn apart in a damning loss.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Inaki Pena (5/10):

Should have come off the line for the Madrid opener. Easily beaten for the penalty. Made a couple of nice saves to prevent a blowout.

Jules Kounde (4/10):

Poor when matched up against Vinicius on the right. Promptly switched to the middle — and Vinicius followed. Kindly gave Rodrygo a lay-off for the fourth goal.

Ronald Araujo (3/10):

Caught lacking on Vinicius' first, gave up a silly penalty for his third. Sent off in the second half for a foolish second booking. His worst game in months; not a good time to have it.

Andreas Christensen (5/10):

Inexplicably tried to play Rodrygo offside for Madrid's second goal — even though he was in his own half. Better later on, but the damage was done.

Alejandro Balde (5/10):

Better going forward, but left too much space in behind for Rodrygo and co.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Perhaps the only Barca midfielder to impress on the night. Always looked to advance the ball between the lines, and glided through space with aplomb.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

Engaged in an intriguing battle with Valverde. Passed the ball around well, but was outrun in the middle of the park.

Sergi Roberto (5/10):

Plenty of legs, but not much quality on the break — which is pretty much the standard for him.

Pedri (5/10):

A first start in nearly a month. Lively for the first half, but looked tired in the second. More to come, you'd think.

Getty ImagesAttack

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Much improved compared to in recent weeks. Cracked a shot off the bar early on. Was running out of steam when subbed.

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Barely had a kick before lashing one in from the edge of the box. Barely had a kick after that. Barca will be happy to see him back among the goals, though.

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Joao Felix (6/10):

Good off the bench again. Full of energy and creative in key areas.

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Very lively. Caused problems for Mendy and found some neat angles. Really should start these games.

Fermin Lopez (5/10):

His only real act was to irritate Madrid players.

Xavi (3/10):

Made a few brave calls, including benching Felix and Yamal. His decision to deploy a high line was baffling. Madrid, pacey wingers and all, were always going to take advantage. What a shambolic night.