Barcelona Player Ratings: Crvena Zvezda Match, Kounde's Dominance Shines
Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda in their Champions League Group H clash. While the scoreline suggests a tight encounter, the Blaugrana dominated the game, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Jules Koundé was the standout performer, delivering a masterful display at the heart of the defense. His performance was so impressive that it overshadowed the goals from Dembélé and Lewandowski.
Here's a breakdown of the Barcelona players' performances:
Ter Stegen (7/10): A relatively quiet night for the German goalkeeper. He commanded his box well and made a crucial save in the second half, denying Crvena Zvezda a potential comeback.
Koundé (9/10): The French defender was simply outstanding. He was a rock at the back, winning every aerial duel, intercepting passes with ease, and initiating attacks with his precise distribution. Koundé's performance was a testament to his exceptional defensive abilities and his growing influence within the Barcelona backline.
Araujo (7/10): Solid as ever, Araujo provided the necessary defensive stability alongside Koundé. He made several important tackles and clearances, limiting Crvena Zvezda's attacking threat.
Balde (7/10): The young left-back was a constant menace down the flank. His pace and dribbling skills allowed him to create numerous chances and deliver dangerous crosses into the box.
Roberto (7/10): The veteran midfielder provided a steady presence in the middle of the park. He controlled the tempo of the game, distributed the ball intelligently, and made crucial tackles when needed.
De Jong (7/10): De Jong had a quieter game by his standards, but he was still a key figure in Barcelona's midfield. He provided the necessary defensive cover and played some neat passes to initiate attacks.
Pedri (8/10): The young Spaniard was at his creative best. He dictated the pace of the game, finding spaces with ease, and delivering precise passes to create chances for his teammates.
Gavi (7/10): The teenager was full of energy and enthusiasm. He pressed relentlessly, won possession high up the pitch, and provided a spark in attack.
Dembélé (8/10): The French winger opened the scoring with a beautiful goal. He tormented the Crvena Zvezda defense with his pace, skill, and accurate crosses.
Lewandowski (7/10): The Polish striker scored Barcelona's second goal, adding to his ever-growing tally. He was a constant threat in the box and played a crucial role in linking the attack.
Ansu Fati (6/10): The young forward came on as a substitute and made a positive impact, showing flashes of his potential. He needs more minutes and consistency to reach his full potential.
Barcelona's performance against Crvena Zvezda highlighted their depth and quality. Koundé's defensive masterclass was a key factor in their victory. This victory will give them further confidence going into their crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan.