Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca: Player Ratings

As has been the case so often this season, Barcelona had to line up with a completely new starting XI against Mallorca tonight due to injuries.

With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong unavailable, Raphinha was used in midfield, while Inigo Martinez covered for the suspended Ronald Araujo. Marc Guiu also started his first game for the club, as a centre-forward.

With these many changes, and experiments in the XI, Barcelona understandably had little to no chemistry on the pitch, with passes often falling short, and incomplete runs in behind the defence.

They did have one golden chance to take the lead, though, as Raphinha was brought down inside the box. Ilkay Gundogan took responsibility of the ball, but could not convert his chance from the spot.

After a series of half-chances and fractured attacks, the half-time whistle was called with the game still 0-0.

Barcelona started the second-half with much more intent, and eventually brought on Vitor Roque and Robert Lewandoswki, who positively changed the game for them.

Eventually, Lamine Yamal came through for Barça, scoring a sensational goal into the top corner that won them the game.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6

Took too long on the ball on a number of occasions, and did not even stitch together decent attacks after that. Was lucky that all of Mallorca’s attempts fell right in his palms.

Jules Kounde: 7.5

Another solid game from Kounde, who looks revitalised and back to his best in recent weeks. Did well in possession, and took responsibility of retaining possession when the game looked out of place.

Pau Cubarsi: 7.5

Did brilliantly to deal with Muriqi; did not give him or Larin an inch of space in the box. Was proactive with his defending, and stepped up aggressively to stop attacks, which worked wonders for Barcelona.

Inigo Martinez: 7.5

Had some trouble dealing with Cyle Larin, but did let his lack of pace get in the way of good defending. Played out some impressive line-breaking from deeper areas, and single-handedly started attacks for the team. Ended the first-half with a 100% passing accuracy (42/42).

Joao Cancelo: 7

Cancelo could not connect as well with Felix as he did in the past, but despite that created a couple of decent chances.

Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5

Absolutely balled out through the entire game, starting from minute one. Took responsibility in deeper areas to receive the ball and start moves, and was also present in the attacking third to play the final pass.

Had several tricks up his sleeve, and was untouchable for Mallorca. A near-perfect game scarred by a truly terrible penalty strike.

Andreas Christensen: 7

Another tidy and solid performance from Christensen, who did not put a foot wrong through the game. Came the game ticking and was defensively well-positioned, too.

Raphinha: 6

Raphinha brought some much-needed athleticism to this midfield, but his inability to retain the ball and beat his man in tight areas made him the centre of turnovers.

Came through by winning a penalty, but had to be substituted off for Fermin Lopez due to an ankle injury. Should never have started in midfield, in fore and hindsight.

Lamine Yamal: 8

Lamine Yamal took some time to grow into the game, but eventually came through in the second half. Combined well with Kounde, and then with Lewandowski before unleashing an absolute perfect top-corner winner.

Marc Guiu: 5

Guiu did well with his back-to-goal when Barcelona went direct, but was unable to find his footing in this side, and often looked lost. Was not fed the chances he would have liked, either.

Joao Felix: 5.5

Another frustrating performance from Felix, who seems to be trying too hard at this point. If his flicks and skills come off, it looks great, but when they don’t — which is often the case —, Barcelona are left to defend counters.

SUBSTITUTES:

Fermin Lopez: 7.5

Executed the Gavi role to perfection as he hounded the Mallorca midfield and defence with his pressing. Made some really good runs into the box, as well, and was very lively throughout. A worthy impact.

Robert Lewandowski: 8

A game-changing cameo from Lewandowski, who not only assisted Yamal’s goal, but executed a perfect back-to-goal display for Guiu to learn from. Almost went on a solo run to score, as well.

Vitor Roque: 7

Another very lively debut, Roque injected energy to the left-wing after Felix’s average showing. Carried the ball through pressure, combined well with Cancelo, and pressed his heart out.

Oriol Romeu: N/A