Barcelona 1-0 Valencia: Player Ratings

Barcelona had the chance to temporarily go ten points clear in La Liga as they took on Valencia at the Camp Nou.

The battle was largely one-sided as the Blaugrana defence held their own against Valencia’s transitions. Eventually, Raphinha’s brilliant lobbed header helped them cruise to a 1-0 win.

The pressure is now on Real Madrid, who travel to Seville to take on Real Betis.

Meanwhile, this is Barça Universal running the rule over the hosts today.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 5

Did not have to make any saves, but made an unfortunate error that almost resulted in a goal for Valencia.

Jules Kounde: 7

Marked out Samuel Lino brilliantly on the wing, limiting the winger to no key passes and two shots off target.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Even though he got a red card, it probably saved a goal for Barcelona as the last man tackle. Did well defensively, though.

Andreas Christensen: 6.5

Did fairly well to hold his own in defence, but was out of position a few times.

Alejandro Balde: 7.5

Balde created a couple of chances running riots on the left wing, completing four out of five attempted dribbles. Did not give an inch of space to Thierry Correia, either.

Sergi Roberto: 6

Roberto had problems progressing the ball and often had to play safely in the centre of the park.

Sergio Busquets: 7.5

Commanded the midfield flawlessly in possession, and got an assist for his work. Had problems defensively, however, and was often beaten by Andre Almeida and Ilaix Moriba.

Frenkie de Jong: 6.5

Played just 45 minutes, most of which were far from ideal.

Raphinha: 8

After an underwhelming display against Real Madrid, Raphinha put in a stellar shift today and was inarguably the best player on the pitch for Barcelona. Scored the inner, and could have had an assist, too.

Ferran Torres: 4

Decided to take the penalty over Ansu Fati, and hit it off target. Could not create chances today, either.

Ansu Fati: 6

Looked livelier than previous matches, but could not capitalise on the chances on offer. Hit the woodwork, too, and was eventually substituted off for Marcos Alonso when Araujo got a red card.

SUBSTITUTES:

Franck Kessie: 7

Added a ton of defensive depth to the midfield, stopping any freedom the Valencia midfield had before that.

Marcos Alonso: 6

Covered for Araujo rather well, and got away with a clean sheet.

Eric Garcia: N/A

Came on too late to warrant a rating.

Angel Alarcon: N/A

Came on too late to warrant a rating.