Barcelona hosted Las Palmas for the first game after the last international break of the season tonight. The game promised a lot, with Xavi opting to use close to his best starting lineup, with Robert Lewandowski as the striker.
Neither team seemed coordinated enough, and there was chaos from minute one of the game.
Las Palmas held a pretty strict high-line, and were able to constantly find Robert Lewandowski offside.
But the Pole broke through once, with Raphinha able to convert his shot. However, it was brought back due to an incorrect offside call.
Minutes later, though, Palmas goalkeeper Alex Valle went through Raphinha and was sent off for preventing a clear scoring opportunity.
The first half, after a ton of chaos, finished 0-0.
Barcelona went all guns blazing in the second-half, introducing Joao Felix into the action around the 55th minute.
The Portuguese ended up making a difference, providing a sensational assist for Raphinha, who ended up getting the goal he deserved.
Barcelona eventually saw out the game comfortably and are now focusing on the PSG clash in ten days.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7
Had to make no saves, and was flawless in possession, completing all but two of his passes.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
A much better second half from Kounde, who inverted to create numerical superiority in midfield. Combined well with Yamal, Raphinha, and Gundogan, and created a superb chance for Felix that was missed.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
Did not start the game well enough, with Munir causing him all sorts of trouble, but once he had a stronghold on proceedings, the youngster’s passing was a joy to behold.
Inigo Martinez: 7
Much like Cubarsi, Martinez was spectacular with the ball at his feet, pinging it to the attack to evade the Las Palmas midfield. Did not have too much to do defensively.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
Cancelo did take some questionable decisions with his shooting, but also created two superb chances for Lewandowski and Raphinha, both of which should have been converted.
Only fair to mention the double roulette he did to sell two Palmas defenders that had the crowd at their feet.
Fermin Lopez: 7.5
One of the best chaosball players in Europe as he seemed to have a grip on proceedings despite the madness.
Made some great runs in behind the defence, won possession multiple times, and was even at the heart of some of the chanced created, including the incorrectly disallowed Raphinha goal.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5
Running the show once again, Gundogan was untouchable most of the first-half, winning tackles in his own third, and threading through balls in the opposition third.
Sergi Roberto: 7.5
Quietly had yet another impressive performance, playing a deeper role. Kept things simple, kept the game ticking, and pushed to win back the ball timely.
Lamine Yamal: 5
One of Yamal’s more boring performances of the season as he found it difficult to beat his man or find a clean shot through from the right wing.
Robert Lewandowski: 7
Should have probably scored at least one of the chances he got, but otherwise another solid game from the in-form Lewandowski as he dropped deep to release runners, displayed brilliant movement in the box, and created shots from nothing.
Raphinha: 8.5
Had a goal unfairly ruled out, but that did not stop him from hustling. Had the keeper sent off, and was at the heart of every attack, but perhaps should have converted his chance late in the first-half.
Raphinha made amends, though, as he found the game-winner with some top-notch movement.
SUBSTITUTES:
Joao Felix: 7.5
While Barcelona looked in control of the game to a large extent, Felix did prove to be at the end of the winning goal with a sensational assist over the defence.
Was also solid otherwise, making runs behind the defence. Although, really should have converted his chance from five yards out.
Ferran Torres: 6
Came on for the first time in two months and almost scored immediately.
