Barcelona Player Ratings: Espanyol Derby Win

Kyivstar Admin

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 04, 2024

44 visitor like this post

Share

Barcelona Player Ratings: Espanyol Derby Win

Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over their city rivals Espanyol in the Catalan derby, extending their lead at the top of La Liga. The game was a tense affair, with both sides battling for control, but ultimately, the Blaugrana emerged victorious thanks to a second-half goal from Robert Lewandowski. Here are the player ratings for Barcelona's performance:

Goalkeeper:

Marc-André ter Stegen (8/10): The German shot-stopper was once again instrumental in securing the win. He made a crucial save in the first half to deny Espanyol an equaliser, and his overall command of the penalty area was impressive.

Defenders:

Jules Koundé (7/10): Solid as ever, Koundé was a rock at the back, winning aerial duels and clearing danger effectively. His distribution was also accurate, helping Barcelona to build attacks from the back.

Ronald Araújo (7/10): A commanding presence in defence, Araújo was a dominant force, winning tackles and heading away crosses. His physicality and leadership were crucial in the victory.

Andreas Christensen (6/10): The Danish defender had a decent performance, offering stability and good positioning. However, he could have been more assertive in dealing with some of Espanyol's attacks.

Alejandro Balde (7/10): The young left-back continues to impress with his attacking prowess and defensive solidity. He was a constant threat down the flank and provided vital defensive cover.

Midfielders:

Sergio Busquets (7/10): The veteran midfielder was a calming influence in the middle of the park. He controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the flow of play, and provided vital defensive support.

Frenkie de Jong (7/10): A key player for Barcelona, de Jong was instrumental in both attack and defence. He controlled the midfield, driving forward with the ball, and breaking up opposition attacks.

Gavi (6/10): The young midfielder was lively but couldn't quite find his rhythm in the game. He lacked the sharpness in the final third and could have done more to influence the game.

Attackers:

Pedri (7/10): A constant menace to the Espanyol defence, Pedri was the creative spark in the Barcelona attack. He created numerous chances, finding pockets of space and delivering accurate passes.

Raphinha (6/10): The Brazilian winger was a threat down the right wing but lacked the final touch in the attacking third. He showed glimpses of brilliance but struggled to convert his opportunities.

Robert Lewandowski (8/10): The Polish striker was the difference-maker in this game. He scored the winning goal with a well-taken finish, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. His movement and hold-up play were also key in disrupting the Espanyol defence.

Substitutes:

Ansu Fati (N/A): Came on too late to make an impact.

Ferran Torres (N/A): Came on too late to make an impact.

Overall:

Barcelona's performance was a testament to their resilience and character. They weren't at their best, but they showed their ability to win even when not playing their best football. The victory keeps Barcelona firmly in the driver's seat for the La Liga title, and their performance against Espanyol will give them confidence heading into the next phase of the season.

Key takeaways:

• Ter Stegen was once again crucial in securing the win with a crucial save and overall strong performance.
• Koundé and Araújo formed a solid defensive partnership, making life difficult for the Espanyol attack.
• Lewandowski's goal was the difference-maker, showcasing his clinical finishing ability.
• Barcelona's midfield controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the flow of play and providing vital defensive support.
• Despite a lack of fluidity in the attack, Barcelona managed to secure the victory through sheer grit and determination.