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| Image Courtesy - The Evening Standard |
When
Barcelona hosted Valencia at Camp Nou on Saturday evening, the Catalans had revenge
on their minds. Valencia had, after all, denied them the Copa Del Rey title
last season, defeating them in the finals to lift the trophy. However, Ernesto
Valverde knew that it was not going to be an easy game, especially with the players he was missing.
The Catalans
were without their Skipper Lionel Messi, who was a still few days away from
regaining full match fitness. Ousmane Dembele was another long term absentee, while
Luis Suarez was racing to be fit ahead of the game. Valverde, as such, had a
selection headache ahead of the game. When the Spanish manager did name his
team, his Uruguayan striker could only make it to the bench.
Barcelona Starting XI:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; de
Jong, Busquets, Arthur; Ansu Fati, Griezmann, Perez.
The home
side got off to a flyer when teenager Ansu Fati scored in the second minute of
the game. De Jong doubled the score 5 minutes later and Barcelona had full
control of the game. However, Gameiro reduced the deficit for the visitors in
the 27th minute and the game went into the break with the score 2-1.
In the second half, Pique scored Barcelona’s third of the game, before Suarez
came off the bench to score a brace. Maxi Gomez got one back for Valencia, but
it turned out to be a mere consolation. Here are the player ratings from the
game.
1. Marc Ter Stegen - 6
The
Barcelona Goalkeeper did not have too much to do on the night. He made one good
save from Gameiro, but couldn’t do much for either of the two goals. Kept the
ball moving when called up and his distribution was good as usual.
2. Nelson Semedo – 6
Was decent
at the back, but did allow Gameiro to run beyond him once. Joined the attack
well and sent in some good balls from the right. Hit the post.
3. Gerard Pique – 7
The
Spaniard scored Barcelona’s third of the night, taping home a rebound. However,
he looked nervy at the back at times and was tested by Gameiro’s speed all
night. Pique needs to do better at the back.
15. Clement Lenglet – 6
Failed to
track Gameiro’s run which led to Valencia’s first goal. Other than that was
pretty decent at the back. However, Gomez’s late goal showed that Barcelona
still is vulnerable at the back.
18. Jordi Alba – 6
The
Spaniard combined well with Ansu Fati but is still lacking the form that made
him one of the best left-backs in the world. Joined the attack regularly and also
tracked back well.
21. Frenkie de Jong – 8
The
Dutchman was assured at the center of the park, passing the ball well and
showing great vision for the Catalans. Created Barcelona’s first goal and
scored the second of the night. Was one of the best players on the pitch.
5. Sergio Busquets – 7
The
Spaniard was decent with the ball at his feet and worked hard when Barcelona
lost possession. His passing was spot on and he was the composed presence Barcelona
needed in midfield.
8. Arthur – 7
The
Brazilian was in control all through the night until his substitution. Calm and
composed with the ball at his feet, he dictated the proceedings and won the
midfield battle for his team.
27. Carles Perez – 6
The
Spaniard lacked penetration and precision during the night. Could not affect
the game from the right and cut an isolated figure on the pitch.
17. Antoine Griezmann – 6
The
Frenchman was unusually quiet on the night and had little effect as the No. 9.
However, it was the rebound from his shot that led to Pique’s goal. Set up
Suarez’s second.
31. Ansu Fati – 9
The 16 year
old Bissau-Guinean looks like the next big thing to come out of La Masia. Ansu Fati scored the first
goal of the game and set up de Jong for the second. Was a bundle of energy on
the pitch.
9. Luis Suarez – 9
The Uruguayan came off the bench to show just what Barcelona
was missing. Scored a beautiful goal within a minute of coming on and then
added another later on.
4. Ivan Rakitic – 5
The Croatian replaced Frenkie de Jong in the 70th
minute but did not have too much impact in the game that was already won. Kept
the ball moving and secured possession for his team.
22. Arturo Vidal – 5
The Chilean replaced Arthur Melo in the 73rd
minute and brought in much needed steel and tenacity in the middle of the park.
Helped Barcelona see out the game.
Do you agree with the ratings? Let us know in the comments. Join us
again for more updates regarding Barcelona. Till then, stay Football Mad!
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