Real Betis 2-4 Barcelona: Player Ratings | Perfect 10 for Ferran

Barcelona travelled to Seville as part of their first reverse fixture of the season in La Liga on Sunday. The game was hard-fought in many ways, but a game of two halves in every sense.

The Catalans dominated the first period with intent and intensity. Ferran Torres gave his side the lead in the opening period and doubled the advantage after the break

Two quick-fire goals from Isco, however, pinned Barcelona back once more. A Joao Felix strike in the 89th minute secured all three points for the Blaugrana, before Torres completed his hat-trick in stoppage time as icing on the cake.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the Catalans’ trip to Benito Villamarin.

Inaki Pena: 6

The youngster had a very quiet first half owing to Barcelona’s dominant display and was only called into action when Isco fired a shot from a long distance.

Completely collapsed after the break. His poor clearance created a chance out of nothing for Isco for Betis’ opener while he could have done better for the second goal too.

Jules Kounde: 7

Back as a full-back, Kounde once again provided Xavi with good enough reasons to persist with him as the starting right-back. He was solid in defence and fearless in making runs out wide although his actual contribution in the final third was meagre.

Ronald Araujo: 6.5

The Uruguayan star returned from his one-game suspension and started as the team’s right-sided centre-back on the night. Donning the captain’s armband, he showed a far more confident version of himself with considerable comfort in possession.

Pau Cubarsi: 7

The La Masia starlet was given his first-ever senior start after Andreas Christensen was ruled out of the match against Real Betis. Yet, at no point in the game did it appear that Pau Cubarsi was thrown in the deep end.

He displayed good distribution and defensive awareness in the first period. Cannot be blamed for the first goal conceded but was overwhelmed by Real Betis’ equaliser. Nevertheless, positive debut for the 16-year-old.

Alejandro Balde: 7.5

The youngster, who has been far from his best this season, looked much more reassured in the first half against Betis. In attack, he was fearless and utilised the space between the Verdiblancos’ defenders to the maximum. Did not have much work defensively.

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

The Dutchman enjoyed a busy outing with over 100 touches of the ball, flawless distribution and clear-cut leadership. Was immense in defence as the pivot with over six tackles and two interceptions on the night.

Ilkay Gundogan: 7

The German was once again the engine for Barcelona, finding the gaps with his keen vision and circulating the ball with ease. Like his teammates, fizzled out in the second period.

Pedri: 7.5

The youngster served as the link between Barcelona’s midfield and attack, featuring in an advanced role. Did well to provide the assist for Torres’ opener and looked safe in possession as always. Fizzled out in the second period, both in intensity and quality. Came off after the 70-minute mark.

Lamine Yamal: 9

The star-boy produced yet another inspiring performance against Real Betis, oozing quality with his every touch. Yamal bamboozled the Betis defence time and again with his ingenious dummies, even hitting the post on one occasion with a lovely curling effort.

He completed a staggering four dribbles in just the first half and won nine duels in what was a tireless shift. Was influential after the break too but to a limited extent. Showed his class in Torres’ third goal as well, providing a world-class assist and eliminating the Betis defence in one go.

Robert Lewandowski: 5

The Polish striker enjoyed more space against the Seville-based opposition, giving his more room to make runs and attempt combination plays. Yet, he was ineffective once more. Rightly taken off in the second period.

Ferran Torres: 10

Torres deserves more credit than he receives. For a team in jeopardy, he has been a relatively reliable forward this season and contributes far more to the game than just his finishing.

Torres was spectacular in the final third with his one-touch football and clever runs behind the defence. In fact, that was how he found himself at the right place at the right time to open the scoring for Barcelona.

Scored the team’s second goal immediately after the break and did not fear striking the ball from a distance in the rest of the game as well. Completed his hat-trick with a confident finish in the final minute.

SUBSTITUTES

Vitor Roque: 6

Found chances but once again looked rusty in the face of the goal.

Fermin Lopez: 7

The youngster was instrumental in the eventual comeback for Barcelona with his high press, able distribution and intensity on the field.

Joao Felix: 8

Found the back of the net with an audacious out-of-the-boot finish in the penultimate minute of the game. Impact sub.