Porto 0-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona visited Estadio do Dragao for the second round of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stages, and came out 0-1 as victors after a terribly pressuring and controversial game.

After soullessly shuffling the ball across the defence for while, Barcelona got their break through Ferran Torres — at the cusp of half-time — who came on for the injured Robert Lewandowski.

There were two major controversial talking points through the game, as Porto were denied what looked like two clear-cut penalties — a foul by Jules Kounde in the first half and a hand ball by Joao Cancelo in the second.

Barcelona did not walk out of the game unscathed, courtesy of an injury to Robert Lewandowski and a sending off to Gavi. All three points, nonetheless.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7.5

Had no problem dealing with the threat posed by Porto’s shots in the first half, but was made to work in the second, but he delivered with a flawless performance. Was exceptional on the ball, as well.

Joao Cancelo: 5

A relatively quieter evening for Cancelo, who was not able to wriggle out of pressure as well as he usually does. Very lucky to have completed the game after a clear hand ball and penalty against him was not given.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Much like most of the players today, had problems dealing with the press posed by Porto in the first hald, and crumbled a couple of times in dangerous situations. Made up for it with a stellar last-man tackle and an overall much better display in the second half.

Jules Kounde: 7.5

Too clumsy on the ball for his own liking in the first half especialy, and lucky to not have conceded a penalty for Barcelona through what looked like a clear-cut foul on Mehdi Taremi in the box.

Made a tremendous last-man challenge on Pepe to deny a 1v1, and only grew into the game in the second 45, cementing the clean sheet.

Alejandro Balde: 8

One of Balde’s better performances this season. The Spaniard terrorised Joao Mario and Romario Baro, rampaging down the left flank and into the box. Created a fair few chances, unlucky to not have anyone on the end of his passes.

Gavi: 7

Stellar as ever, Gavi rescued Romeu in multiple situations acting as an outlet for his lazy passes. The Spaniard found spaces in the pockets between the mid-block, as well, and found solutions for the rest of the team.

Got sent off in injury time through a needless tackle that earned him a second yellow.

Oriol Romeu: 4

Romeu was inarguably the weakest link for Barcelona in the game, and the biggest pressing trigger for Porto. His inability to play to the first touch almost proved to be costly for the visitors on multiple occasions.

Ilkay Gundogan: 7

Gundogan was not at his absolute best today as his creative solutions in the final third did not particularly come off for Barcelona. Got an assist, though, which proves the difference-maker he is.

Lamine Yamal: 6

Much like Cancelo, Yamal did not have a particularly explosive game. Lost the ball in his own feet a couple of times, and did not shoot despite multiple chances.

Robert Lewandowski: 5

Substituted after 30 minutes because of an injury.

Joao Felix: 8.5

By far and large the best player for Barcelona today, Felix had the fans on the edge of their seats through his ability to pierce through Porto’s defence. Had a couple of shots blocked and a couple saved, would have been on the scoreline on another day.

SUBSTITUTES:

Ferran Torres: 7.5

Came on for Lewandowksi around the half-an-hour mark and immediately made the difference with his intent to shoot, more than anything else. Made sure Gundogan’s pass to him near the end of the first half was on target, and eventually proved to be the winner.

Fermin Lopez: 5

Ran continually till full time to press and hold Barcelona’s lead, but understandably did not have too much work on the ball with Porto chasing the game.

Sergi Roberto: 5

Did well defensively after coming on, including stopping an attack that earned him a yellow.

Marcos Alonso: N/A

Was not involved enough after coming on.