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Barcelona went all out in their second UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday night, putting a staggering four goals past Young Boys and racking up the first win of their European campaign.
The carnage started early on the night when Robert Lewandowski scored a simple goal in just the eighth minute.
Raphinha doubled the lead in the 34th minute before Inigo Martinez made it 3-0 three minutes later.
Restarting play on the same note after the break, the team’s Polish striker netted a second goal to make it four for Barcelona in the 51st minute and all but sealed the victory for the team. An own goal late in the night extended the team’s margin.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 5-0 Young Boys.
Inaki Pena: 6
A silent night for the Barcelona goalkeeper who had barely any serious shots to stop. With the ball largely only in the Young Boys half, he recorded just 27 touches on the night.
Alejandro Balde: 7
A good shift from the left-back who was not as fluent as the rest of his team in the buildup but did well to stretch the defence on the flank.
Completed the game with 93% pass completion, one interception and two successful dribbles.
Played in the ball that went on to serve as an own goal that added a fifth goal for the Blaugrana.
Inigo Martinez: 10
A very special night for the Basque defender who was again undoubtedly at the top of his game defensively but also had a big role to play at the other end of the field.
Scored with a well-placed header in the 37th minute, assisted the team’s fourth goal with a header into Lewandowski’s path. Taken off early with the weekend’s game in mind.
Pau Cubarsi: 8
Delivered the quality one has come to take for granted from him at this point, Cubarsi was again phenomenal against Young Boys.
He may not have been tested extensively in defence but his ball-playing skills made him a massive asset for the team in the repeated buildups they racked up.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
The team’s evergreen right-back once again impressed in his newfound niche as he pushed up in attack and regularly combined with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the attack.
Marc Casado: 8
The teenager performed his duties to a T on the night, holding down the fortress and anchoring the team flawlessly.
Made a stunning clearance as the last man in the 66th minute to deny Young Boys a route back into the game.
Pedri: 10
The Catalans’ magician was back at his best against Young Boys, caressing the ball with his every touch and looking ever so calm under pressure.
Dished out defensive duties to perfection but broke the opposition lines with ease in attack.
Laid the foundation for the team’s second goal as it was his shot that took a rebound for Raphinha’s finish. Laid a lovely cross to assist Inigo Martinez minutes later.
Raphinha: 10
Raphinha celebrating his goal vs Young Boys. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The orchestrator-in-chief of Barcelona’s play in the final third, the captain continued his magical start to the season with an inspiring display from start to finish.
The Brazilian star recorded a wonderful assist for Robert Lewandowski’s opener before pouncing on a rebound to double the lead on the night.
Lamine Yamal: 8.5
The Golden Boy favourite was again electric on the flank and frustrated opposition the defence to the point that they jumped into fouls every time he got on the ball.
Despite the overt physicality, however, he stood his ground and delivered with trickery to lead Barcelona’s attack and even created direct threats on goal regularly.
Ferran Torres: 7.5
Despite not creating as much direct threat to the goal as the other three players in attack, Torres was good with his combination of play and movements on the night and often dragged defenders away to create spaces in the final third.
Had his chances to score as well but could not take them.
Robert Lewandowski: 9
Opened the scoring with a lethal run behind the defender and a simple tap-in executed to perfection.
Missed a chance to double his lead later in the half when he was taken down in the box but denied a penalty.
Lamine Yamal celebrating with Lewandowski. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ultimately completed his brace with a glorious header early in the second half – the true mark of a poacher in the box.
Ansu Fati: 7.5
Playing his first significant cameo of the season, the youngster looked active, fit and attempted to get into good scoring positions.
Hector Fort: 7
A solid defensive came from the youngster who replaced Cubarsi at Montjuic. Needless to say, did not have much to prove defensively.
Frenkie de Jong: 7.5
Came on to make his debut for the season and looked sharp with his movements and touches. Took over as the midfield commander after Pedri’s departure.
