Barcelona may not have completely recovered from the 4-1 thrashing they faced at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend, yet were forced to return to the field on Thursday night against Unionistas in the Copa del Rey.
As is the tradition in the cup, the game was played away from home at the Reina Sofia in Villares de La Reina in Spain.
The pressure was on Xavier Hernandez and his men on the night considering that they were one of the only first-division sides to be paired against a lower-tier opposition in the competition. Yet, they conceded first and threw their hopes of qualification into jeopardy.
Only a late comeback in the second period enabled a comeback and took the Catalans through to the next round. Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Unionistas vs Barcelona.
Inaki Pena: 8
The young goalkeeper started for Barcelona on the night and did not have a whole lot to do in the first period despite the team’s loose defence. Cannot be faulted for the goal conceded as it was an absolute rocket from point-blank range.
Made some critical saves in the dying minutes of the game to keep the hosts away from a comeback.
Alejandro Balde: 8
The Spanish full-back did not have a whole lot of defensive chores on the night but was extensively involved in the finished third. Completed 100% of his passes, completed all attempted dribbles and rounded off his performance with a special goal to make it 3-1 in the 73rd minute.
Andreas Christensen: 7
The Danish international started the game and recorded two tackles, a clearance and four duels won in the first period. His distribution was immaculate, although he does bear part of the blame for the early goal conceded.
Was taken off at halftime for Pau Cubarsi, presumably with an injury setback.
Jules Kounde: 8.5
The French defender was defensively on point for most of the game and heavily involved in the buildup with over 100 touches on the night.
His biggest contribution on the night, however, was his strike from long range in the 69th minute that gave Barcelona the lead and secured the three points. Minutes later, he assisted Balde’s goal.
Sergi Roberto: 7
The captain started at right-back after a long hiatus and understandably focused on the attacking element of his game. His defensive negligence and almost inexistent presence left Barcelona vulnerable at the back, with Unionistas’ opening goal thus arriving from a cross from his flank.
Fermin Lopez: 6.5
Xavi handed the La Masia starlet a start against Unionistas but his display in the first-half was not very convincing. In 45 minutes, Lopes managed just 28 touches with a passing accuracy of less than 70%.
Came off for Pedri in the second period.
Oriol Romeu: 7
One of Romeu’s better performances considering his recent slump in form. The defensive midfielder stayed put in his position, played a crucial role in the buildup and maintenance of possession in the first half and was clinical in the duels he engaged in.
Frenkie de Jong: 7
The Dutchman was far from his influential best on the night, producing a rare off-show in the first half. De Jong was strong in possession but lacked a presence with whom he could pair in one-touch combinations, thus losing possession more often than normal.
Joao Felix: 8
Joao Felix started on the left wing in the Copa del Rey clash and enjoyed one of his better nights. The ball flowed freely at his feet for the better part of the game as he provided two key passes and completed two dribbles in the first half alone. Moreover, he created two big chances and recorded the assist for Torres’ goal as well.
Made way for Ilkay Gundogan at the hour mark.
Marc Guiu: 5
Guiu was the surprise name on the starting lineup on Thursday night, replacing Robert Lewandowski on the team sheet. Xavi handed him the start ahead of Vitor Roque, making a big statement about his confidence in the player.
Unfortunately, the youngster was barely involved in the team’s buildup on the night with just seven passes in 45 minutes. He missed a big chance, but to his credit, did get into good scoring positions on occasion.
Ferran Torres: 8.5
Torres on the night was one of, if not the best Barcelona player on the field against the third-division side. His constant threat in the final third and movement off the ball kept the hosts on their toes in defence.
The Spaniard recorded three key passes in just the first half whilst also scoring Barcelona’s equaliser late in the first period. The goal came off the back of a vicious solo counter that he finished off with great confidence.
SUBSTITUTES
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
Strong, able and steady under pressure, Cubarsi did not show any signs of nerves when thrown into the deep end for the first team. He even recorded the assist for Jules Kounde’s goal on the night.
Robert Lewandowski: 4
Came on for the final 30 minutes but did not make any tangible impact in terms of goals or the buildup.
Pedri: 7.5
Safe in possession and convincing with his creativity, it does not require much skill to understand how the game changed after Pedri’s introduction. His ability to thread the ball through defences was on show on the night as the player nears his best version.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
The German arrived on the field for the final 30 minutes and played as an advanced midfielder with regular threats on goal. He was ever so safe in possession and a thorn in the foot of Unionistas’ defenders.
Vitor Roque: NA
Arrived too late to make a tangible impact.
