Barcelona Player Ratings: Crvena Zvezda Champions League
Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League, but it wasn't a flawless performance. Let's delve into the individual performances of the Blaugrana players, providing detailed ratings to assess their contribution to the win.
Ter Stegen (7/10)
Marc-André ter Stegen was mostly a spectator in this match, but he did make a crucial save in the first half to deny Crvena Zvezda an equalizer. His calmness and command of the box were reassuring, even if he wasn't heavily tested.
Koundé (7.5/10)
Jules Koundé was a rock in the Barcelona defense, providing solidity and composure throughout the game. His positioning and reading of the game were excellent, and he even managed to contribute offensively, making some dangerous runs forward.
Araujo (7/10)
Ronald Araújo was his usual dominant self at the heart of the defense. His strength and aerial prowess were evident, winning several crucial aerial duels. However, he did make a couple of shaky moments that could have proved costly.
Balde (6.5/10)
Alejandro Balde started well, showing his pace and trickery on the left flank. He provided a constant threat, but his final product lacked precision at times. He was subbed off in the second half, having done enough to earn a solid rating.
Gavi (8/10)
Gavi was once again a livewire in midfield, showcasing his incredible energy and dynamism. His passing was incisive, and his relentless pressing disrupted the flow of the opposition. He deservedly bagged the opening goal and was a constant threat throughout.
De Jong (7/10)
Frenkie de Jong was composed and controlled in midfield, providing a stable base for Barcelona's attacks. He was efficient with his passing, breaking lines with his intricate movement. His overall performance was a solid one.
Pedri (7.5/10)
Pedri was a creative force in midfield, dictating the tempo and orchestrating attacks. His vision and passing range were exceptional, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His influence on the game was undeniable, and he was a deserved recipient of the man-of-the-match award.
Raphinha (7/10)
Raphinha was a handful for the Crvena Zvezda defense with his pace and directness. He created numerous chances for himself and others, and his goal, a stunning strike from outside the box, was a highlight of the game. He could have been more clinical, but his overall performance was impressive.
Dembélé (6/10)
Ousmane Dembélé started the game brightly, showcasing his dribbling skills and pace. However, he lacked the final touch in the final third and faded as the game wore on. He was ultimately replaced by Ansu Fati in the second half.
Lewandowski (8/10)
Robert Lewandowski was a constant threat to the Crvena Zvezda defense, displaying his clinical finishing ability. He scored Barcelona's second goal with a cool finish, and his overall performance was a testament to his quality.
Substitutes:
Ansu Fati (6.5/10): The young forward came on for Dembélé and injected some energy into the attack. He had a few promising runs and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Kessie (6/10): Kessie came on for Gavi and provided some much-needed stability in midfield. He was solid in possession and helped Barcelona see out the game comfortably.
Ferre (N/A): Came on late in the game and didn't have enough time to make an impact.
Overall:
Barcelona's victory was comfortable, but they didn't dominate the match as much as the scoreline suggests. However, the Blaugrana showed enough quality to secure the three points and continue their unbeaten start to the Champions League campaign.
While there were some individual standout performances, Barcelona will need to improve their overall efficiency in front of goal if they are to truly challenge for the Champions League trophy.