Valencia 1-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona took a trip to the Eastern coast of Spain as they locked horns with Valencia in La Liga. The Catalans were looking for their first win after two defeats, but unfortunately came up short away from home as the game finished 1-1.

The first-half was action-packed, with neither team holding back. Chances were aplenty as eventually Roman Yaremchuk and Robert Lewandowski missed their mark, and the first-half ended 0-0.

Barcelona put foot to pedal in the second half, scoring within ten minutes as Felix and Raphinha combined. However, their happiness lasted 15 minutes as Hugo Guillamon found a way through for Valencia with a top-bins finish.

Neither team had enough to break the deadlock, and the game finished 1-1. Barcelona’s thirst for a win continues.

Inaki Pena: 8

Was called into action early on and rose up to the challenge, preventing a superb shot from Yaremchuk. Made up for his distribution errors from the weekend with a solid performance today.

Joao Cancelo: 7.5

Stayed wide and low, crossed the ball early and did well with his efforts to create chances, especially one for Lewandowski in the first half. However, he was too deep at times, and did not offer support to Raphinha, who was isolated.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Araujo did well to read the game alongside a rather rushed Kounde. Cleared his lines well, and was not too shabby in possession either.

Jules Kounde: 6

Kounde took some rash decisions during the game, costing turnovers, but had a much better second half.

Alejandro Balde: 6

Balde was a bit more careful in possession and released the ball on time. Contained Perez and Correia well, too.

Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5

Was offered a more advanced role today, and he definitely made the difference in the final third, jumping on the end of cut backs and crosses. Came close to scoring, but eventually could not find that final touch.

Frenkie de Jong: 7

Was superb with the ball as the deepest man in possession and beat Valencia’s mid block with long passes that broke the press. Broke the last line with a stellar pass to Raphinha that led to the goal. Should have been more alert defensively, though.

Pedri: 7.5

Fantastic as ever in possession, playing some brilliant passes and breaking the final line brilliantly, including a sensational pass to Raphinha. Should have done much better pressing Guillamon to defend Valencia’s equaliser, though.

Raphinha: 7

Carried the energy in attack today single-handedly, making off-the-ball runs behind the defence, and eventually got the assist for the opening goal. Missed two easy chances to equalise, though.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

Showed much better intent today, shooting early and not taking too much time on the ball, but yet again missed a couple of chances that should have been converted.

Joao Felix: 7

Was in the right place at the right time to score Barcelona’s goal, but was lousy on the ball and often took too much time before releasing it, causing turnovers.

SUBSTITUTES:

Ferran Torres: 5

Had one of the best chances in the game, but could not convert it.

Lamine Yamal: N/A

Did not do enough to warrant a rating.