Barcelona came from behind to beat Galatasaray 4-1 on Tuesday in the Champions League. It was another very impressive showing from the Catalans, so let’s see how the players fared.
Defence
Joao Cancelo – 8
The concerns that he is defensively suspect are rapidly vanishing. He was superb, putting in an assured performance in defence and attack, capped off with incredible attacking positioning on his goal.
Gerard Martin – 6
Passes the ball well but simply cannot keep up when the speed of play is at its peak and
struggles against a well-executed high press like Galatasaray’s. Wasn’t too poor but not his best day.
Pau Cubarsi – 7.5
Cheerfully locked up Osimhen again – all in a day’s work for the 19-year-old and began every attack with a great pass from the back.
Eric Garcia – 6
Did well for the majority of the 90 minutes but was primarily at fault for the goal conceded as he cannot keep up with pacy wingers. He needs to be moved back into central defence.
Midfield
Rodri – 7
Controlled the midfield well but was the other party at fault for the goal conceded, completely lost Batrakov in acres of open space.
Pedri – 8.5
Simply special, made one brilliant line-breaking pass after another. On another day he could have had three assists in that first half alone, plus the control of the match tempo alongside Rodri.
Fermin Lopez – 8
Energetic as usual, great diving header goal, good positioning. Did it all in attack, aside from a couple of poor turnovers, and coordinated midfield and attack well as always.
Attack
Anthony Gordon – 6.5
Tale of two halves for the Englishman; first half contained mistimed runs, a missed sitter and inefficient pressing, with his slip starting the counter for the Galatasaray goal. However, he lit up the field for those 15 minutes of the second half, squeezing in a goal from a ridiculously tight angle and the pressing was much more effective.
Dani Olmo – 3.5
His finishing is one of his weakest traits and as a false 9/centre-forward, that glaring weakness was exposed. His ability in tight spaces was not required because Galatasaray were playing high and attacking. Missed two sitters from beautiful Pedri through-balls early in the game and never really had any influence. Rightfully substituted on the hour mark.
Lamine Yamal – 9 (MVP)
Those two incredible assists alone make him the MVP. Had a slow start to the game but he grew into it and man was he amazing after he hit his rhythm. Had Jakobs scrambling for cover every time he got the ball and got so close to scoring on multiple occasions
Subs and Manager
Karim Adeyemi – 7.5
Scored a nice half-volley, his pace is always a threat and linked up well with his teammates. However, he wasn’t really needed as early as he was brought on, Gordon was getting better as the game progressed
Gabriel Jesus – 7.5
A very fortunate assist to Adeyemi but replaced Olmo around the hour mark and immediately displayed some of a striker’s better traits. The attack felt much more cohesive with him in there.
Marc Bernal – 7
On for Pedri, made sure the tempo and control barely dropped and the passing was immaculate.
Gavi – 6.5
Replaced the excellent Fermin and brought many of the same attributes, making sure there were no slip-ups late on.
Jules Kounde – 7
Kept Rafa Leao much quieter than Eric did, should have started.
Hansi Flick – 7
Some baffling calls in the starting lineup (Olmo as false 9, Eric at right-back) but the tactics were spot on and very proactive substitutions kept us in the game well. Soaking up the pressure early then countering when Galatasaray started tiring and slowing down was brilliant to see.
