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1 month ago
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Barcelona took on Sevilla in their first game after the international break on Sunday night as they looked to restore their three-point lead on the league standings.
Given Los Nervionenses’ poor run of form this season, the Blaugrana were the favourites to take away three points and did not disappoint at Montjuic.
The visitors put pressure on Barcelona in the opening period but a Robert Lewandowski penalty gave the hosts the lead on the night.
A stunning strike from Pedri helped the team double their lead before Lewandowski smartly deflected the ball into the net for the team’s third before the halftime whistle.
The game after the restart continued in the same manner as it left off with only the offside flag denying Barcelona a fourth. Eventually, Pablo Torre scored the team’s fourth and put the result to bed and even added a fifth.
Inaki Pena: 7
A relatively quiet night for the Spanish goalkeeper who barely had any saves to make through the game. Was solid with his distribution, albeit relatively shaky when venturing out of his box.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
One of the left-back’s better performances this season in terms of attacking contributions as he regularly forward and was decent with his dribbles and crosses. Completed 91% of his passes and completed two dribbles against Sevilla.
Inigo Martinez: 8.5
The leader at the back, Martinez was ever-reliable in defence as he confidently pulled off interceptions and tackles for fun to keep Sevilla at bay. Recorded eight defensive actions, completed 92% of his passes and north of 100 passes against Garcia Pimienta’s side.
Pau Cubarsi: 8
Partnering with Martinez at the back, Cubarsi was ever so calm under pressure and kept his cool even when pushed to the boundary by the Sevilla attack. Recorded a stunning 98% pass accuracy and even started the move that led to Pedri’s goal with an unbelievable save from the line.
Jules Kounde: 8
Starting as the right back once more, Kounde played a smart role in the attack, providing Yamal with a constant passing outlet and overlapping with his runs. Was defensively on point when called into action.
Marc Casado: 7.5
A solid run-of-the-mill performance from the defensive midfielder who did well to stop Sevilla’s occasional counterattacks and hold the fort. Completed close to 90% of his passes and nine defensive actions on the night.
Pedri: 9
Forced back into the double pivot after Eric Garcia’s injury, the Canary Islander moved back to the position where he has looked so fine this season and again helped the team with their fundamental ball circulation.
As press resistant as ever, the 21-year-old maintained possession for the club and even scored the team’s second goal with a stunning strike from distance.
Ansu Fati: 8
Ansu Fati entered the starting lineup as a surprise entrant after Eric Garcia suffered a niggle in the pre-game warm-up. Taking his spot on the left wing, the youngster looked comfortably placed and contributed well to the buildup.
He still lacked the sharpness in front of the goal and was questionable with his first touch but a very positive performance from the youngster regardless.
Came close to scoring in the 70th minute.
Raphinha: 9
The Brazilian once again pulled all the strings for Barcelona in attack, nesting in the attacking midfield role and exploiting spaces.
Raphinha won the penalty for Barcelona’s opener against Sevilla with some smart plan before eventually assisting Robert Lewandowski for his second goal with a well-worked volley.
Was taken off just past the hour mark with the key games up ahead in mind.
Lamine Yamal: 9
The youngster is Barcelona’s most heavily marked player week in and week out, yet continues to find ways to make a difference on the field.
Starting on the right wing, the youngster combined well with Kounde and was the X factor in the final third especially on the counterattack.
Yamal created Pedri’s goal with a vicious run and well-worked cut-back and could well have had a goal and an assist to his name in the opening period alone.
Robert Lewandowski: 10
The Polish striker simply cannot stop scoring and contributing to Hansi Flick’s setup, and at 37 years of age, is writing special records.
Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona with a calm penalty before working a sensational ball to set off the counter for Pedri’s goal. He then completed his brace by turning in Raphinha’s effort with surgical precision.
Found himself in good positions in the second period as well but was taken off early to gather rest.
Fermin Lopez: 7
Made his return from injury with a solid cameo, confident on the ball and ever reliable off it.
Pablo Torre: 9
Came on as a substitute and scored Barcelona’s fourth with a smart finish before adding a fifth with a cross that ended up in the back of the net.
Gavi: 7
Came on as a late substitute with chants of his name ringing around the stadium. A return to the field after close to a year in what was a moment to cherish.
