Raphinha 10, Pedri 9.5 | Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich: Player ratings

Barcelona took on Bayern Munich on Wednesday night at Montjuic in their third UEFA Champions League clash of the season and a repeat of the fixture that has caused the team so much pain over the years.

Hansi Flick played his strongest lineup against his former side, replacing Ansu Fati with Fermin Lopez from the team’s last game.

Raphinha opened the scoring early for the Blaugrana within under a minute after kickoff. Bayern Munich then took control and dominated the next 20 minutes of play, culminating in Harry Kane’s equaliser.

Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead midway through the first half before Raphinha gave the team a 3-1 lead just before the half-time whistle. 

The Brazilian completed his hat-trick after the break with an audacious finish and gave his side a comfortable 4-1 lead before the Germans again attempted to pile up pressure. However, the result was already beyond doubt.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich.

Inaki Pena: 6

Starting his biggest-ever game for Barcelona, Pena was put under serious pressure by Bayern Munich’s high press and struggled to find passing outlets. Did not pull off any exceptional saves and did not help Barcelona’s cause in the opening period with his iffy distribution.

Rushed out of his box unnecessarily on multiple occasions, compromising the goal.

Alejandro Balde: 8

The left-back was relatively solid in defence, although tested regularly in Michael Olise. Did well to push forward in attack but lacked the final ball when in good positions. 

Inigo Martinez: 8.5

Martinez had a great outing, holding his line to perfection and seldom giving Bayern chances to run onside. His no-nonsense defence was put to a stern test by the Bavarians but he won most of the duels for a good part of the night.

Pau Cubarsi: 8.5

Calm under Bayern Munich’s press, Cubarsi’s composure on the ball was ever-so-helpful to get the ball out of the box in the later stages of the first half.

His pace, moreover, was crucial against the Germans’ counterattacks and he was regularly called into action to make vital interceptions.

Jules Kounde: 7.5

Kounde had some issues keeping up with Serger Gnabry on the wing and could not string passes together without falling prey to Bayern’s press. Had very little contribution in attack but grew into the game with time and ended with a fairly solid showing.

Marc Casado: 9

Casado stood his ground against Bayern Munich’s rampant attacks and did well to hold the fort for Barcelona. Earned a lovely diagonal assist for Raphinha’s second goal and was calm and reassured even under intense pressure.

An enormous coming-of-age performance from the academy star.

Pedri: 9.5

Pedri’s trickery was much-needed against Vincent Kompany’s men as he served as a connection between defence and attack and kept the ball ticking in midfield with his press resistance. Always involved in the buildup, he stuck deeper on the field compared to previous games, presumably to aid in defence.

Danced through the Bayern lines after moving up the field and controlled the play with his ball playing skills alone.

Fermin Lopez: 8

Fermin’s high placement on the field complicated Barcelona’s opening phase buildup as he was seldom available as a passing outlet while other options were man-marked.

Did well to assist Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the first half and was a decent threat in the later stages of the first half.

Lamine Yamal: 9

The teenage winger was a delight to watch every time he touched the ball on the night, toying around with the Bayern veterans and opening up spaces with ease. Did not involve in the final third as much as he would have liked but was vital and magical regardless.

Came up clutch with a sensational assist for Raphinha’s third goal and ran the show in the second half with his trickery.

Raphinha: 10

The captain opened the scoring seconds into the game with a stunning run behind the defence and a wonderful finish taking the ball around Neuer. Kept his momentum going through the half with his well-worked runs off the ball and immense defensive rate.

Scored his second goal on the night with a lovely control and finish sequence off Casado’s pass and placed his strike past Neuer to perfection. Once again put the ball past the goalkeeper just before the hour mark with a sensational finish off a Yamal assist.

Robert Lewandowski: 8.5

The Polish striker was inspired against his former side, alert in the final third and handy with his hold-up play and passing. Created Raphinha’s goal with a great ball over the defence and scored the second goal on the night with a well-timed finish to get the ball over Upamecano.

SUBSTITUTES

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

The captain came on as a second-half substitute and showed great comfort playing as part of the double pivot.