Barcelona 2-0 Cadiz: Player Ratings

Xavi made a few changes to the Barcelona starting lineup tonight as they took on Cadiz at the Camp Nou for gameweek 22. It was their chance to go eight points clear on top of La Liga charts again after Real Madrid’s 0-2 win against Osasuna.

Barcelona themselves registered a 2-0 win tonight, but it was by no means an easy one.

The Blaugranes looked sharp and smooth for the majority of the first-half, but were not able to break the deadlock till the 43rd minute, when a moment of individual brilliance from Ferran Torres helped set up Sergi Roberto.

Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead two minutes later, but that was the end of the goals tonight. Most of what followed were close calls from both Barça and Cadiz.

BU runs the rule on a largely unconvincing performance from Barcelona tonight.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8.5

Made two easy saves in the first half, but most importantly, was proactive in the box while dealing with crosses, which happens to be Cadiz’s speciality. Eventually saved Barcelona’s defence with a clutch 1v1 save.

Jules Kounde: 7

Largely passive in attack, but through no fault of his own. Did well to hold his own on the wing defensively, though.

Andreas Christensen: 9

Another brilliant showing from Christensen today as he stepped up the pitch to halt multiple counters. Won the ball very high up multiple times, kickstarting counter-attacks, and was never in doubt while defending.

Eric Garcia: 7

Came back to the starting lineup, but did not miss a beat in defence. Dealt with the Cadiz corners and crosses well, and was ever-so-important in the first phase of buildup.

Alejandro Balde: 7.5

Left the Cadiz defenders in his trail, blazing on the left-wing. Found some teasing crosses, too, and unlucky to not register an assist.

Gavi: 8

An absolute nuisance for the Cadiz midfield on the turn, Gavi left multiple defenders in the dust today, casually skipping past the mid and deep block.

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

Frenkie de Jong did an excellent job filling in for Sergio Busquets in the pivot role. He slotted in deep to cover for Christensen and/or Garcia, who stepped up to defend, while also orchestrating attacks from deep through long balls.

Sergi Roberto: 8.5

Positionally suspect at times, and arguably too passive in possession, but credit where it’s due for Sergi Roberto, who scored one and assisted one tonight.

Ferran Torres: 9

Ferran Torres played arguably his best game in a Barcelona shirt tonight starting on the right-wing. He was absolutely unplayable, and completed a mammoth ten dribbles. He essentially created Roberto’s goal himself, skipping past three defenders on the wing. Unlucky to not have scored today.

Robert Lewandowski: 7

Lewandowski finally ended his streak of not scoring for three games straight as he registered a lovely strike from the edge of the box. He also did well to drop deep and link play, but coulda-shoulda had a hattrick.

Ansu Fati: 5

Had his fair share of chances in front of goal, but was not sharp enough to take chances. Kicked the air a few times, and completely missed the shot another two. Was predictably substituted off late in the game for Angel Alarcon.

SUBSTITUTES:

Franck Kessie: 6.5

Kessie was brought on to win second balls in the midfield, but did not complete his task. Failed to track runners, too.

Raphinha: 6

Came on when the game was a mess, and could not make any difference.

Angel Alarcon: N/A

Brought on with a minute of regulation time left.