Barcelona 1-0 Osasuna: Player Ratings

Had the clash between Barcelona and Osasuna on Tuesday been the Copa del Rey final, not many would have complained about the quality of football. Adversity, confusion, ecstasy and drama, the clash had it all in equal measure.

Analogous to the last meeting between the two when Robert Lewandowski was sent off, this time it was Osasuna’s Jorge Herrando who was given his marching orders before the half-hour mark.

In the end, Jordi Alba’s trademark volley was all that separated the two sides at the full-time whistle. Osasuna deserves a lot of praise for their resilient display and will take away a lot of positives to the Cup final against Real Madrid.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona vs Osasuna.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7

Straightforward affair for the German. Two saves was all he was forced to make en route to his 25th clean sheet of the season.

Jules Kounde: 7

Nowhere close to the level he showed at right-back against Real Betis but looked better with Dembele in the second half.

Ronald Araujo: 8

Barcelona’s best defender on the night once again and had his usual moments of brilliance in the final third as well.

Andreas Christensen: 7

Did not have much work to do given that Osasuna were quickly reduced to ten men. Immaculate in his distribution again, the only excuse for Xavi to take the Danish international off on the night was his recent injury.

Alejandro Balde: 8

Inspired on the left wing and given the freedom to attack with minimal defensive commitments on the night. Began the game as an effective weapon with Gavi but was less of a threat after the change of system and Ansu Fati’s improvement.

Frenkie de Jong: 9

Barcelona’s best player on the field by a comfortable margin, the Dutchman was spectacular on multiple fronts against the Copa del Rey finalists. He took over as the team’s creators-in-chief and was very safe in possession. Add his defensive work-rate into consideration and one has a top-notch performance.

Sergio Busquets: 7.5

Solid, elegant, gracious. Busquets did not have much to do n defensively on the night, thus helping him focus his resources on what he does best- orchestrate the play.

Pedri: 7

The Spanish magician was rusty against the Pamplona-based side. Loose balls, sluggish movements and poor decision-making crept into his game at times- a phenomenon rather uncharacteristic for Pedri normally.

Yet, one cannot keep the protege out of the action. The best few passes, off-the-ball moves and recoveries were all off his feet on the night.

Gavi: 5

Started the game as a valuable tool down the left flank but was forced off the field by Xavi Hernandez despite his protests after suffering a groin muscular strain. Came off for Ansu Fati, effectively changing the formation on the night.

Robert Lewandowski: 6

Another silent outing for the Polish international who did not get even half a chance in front of the goal in the first half. Poor performance considering that the opposition had a centre-back sent off early on the night. Marginally better in the second half.

Raphinha: 7

Given the start ahead of Ousmane Dembele, the Brazilian made good use of his opportunity. Completed two key passes and hit the woodwork once on the night. Eventually, take off for Ousmane Dembele early in the second half.

Substitutes

Ansu Fati: 7.5

Fati’s display on Tuesday was one of grit, determination and pure desire. The youngster’s night did not begin well and his first-half display was scrappy at best. As the proceedings progressed, however, Fati settled into the game. Post the hour mark, Fati was one of Barcelona’s protagonists on the field.

Ousmane Dembele: 6

Improved the dynamic ability of the left flank after coming on but struggled with the accuracy of his crosses and shots.

Eric Garcia: 6

Not much defensive work for the defender in the second half. Chipped in with good distribution and ball circulation.

Jordi Alba: 8.5

May not have had the pace of Balde but generated a significant threat in the final third with his smart movements and crosses into the box. Gave his side the lead and the win with a trademark Alba volley from the left side of the goal.