FC Barcelona cruised past Young Boys with a dominant 5-0 victory, making amends after being handed a bitter defeat by AS Monaco in the first round of the UEFA Champions League.
The Catalan giants maintained exceptional synergy throughout the match, constantly questioning the visitors’ defense despite their defending in a highly narrow low block.
Inaki Pena: 6
Pena had a comfortable outing, facing minimal threats and being called upon to make just one save. While he was fortunate with a crossbar deflection and an offside call, he ultimately secured the all-important clean sheet.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
Kounde had minimal defensive responsibilities, as Young Boys rarely threatened down the right flank. Nevertheless, the Frenchman deserves credit for relieving some of the pressure on Yamal in attack.
Inigo Martinez: 9.5
His passing in the first phase of play was pivotal and he fared well in all his duels. Martinez scored a great header off a set piece in the first half to strengthen Barça’s lead and assisted Lewandowski in the second half.
Pau Cubarsi: 8.5
Effortlessly took responsibility for Barcelona’s build-up, with the youngster constantly breaking lines and defending diligently in a high line. Cubarsi’s role in Barça executing offside traps must also be commended.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
Balde’s overlapping runs enabled Barça to hold width and stretch the field, but he was highly wasteful with his crossing. However, he neutralized a few dangerous counterattacks and technically assisted Young Boys’ own goal.
Marc Casado: 8
Exercised his duties effectively without making much noise, allowing his teammates the liberty to prance in the final third. Casado was well-positioned off the ball and made a defining goal-line clearance in the second half.
Pedri: 10
Pedri paid a wonderful tribute to Iniesta on the day he retired. His through balls were immaculately precise, creating several scoring opportunities, while he also pressed his lungs out. Through passing, holding, and feinting, he gave meaning to Barça’s movement. Deservedly came off to a standing ovation.
Raphinha: 9
Despite being fielded in a central position, Raphinha was intelligent enough to drift wide and exploit spaces in Young Boys’ back-line. He assisted the opener and scored a rebound, epitomizing attacking efficiency.
Lamine Yamal: 8
Twisted and danced his way out of pressure to create advantages that appeared unfathomable. His role in the first goal was key as he played a precise pre-assist. Yamal had the most dribbles and drew the most fouls as well.
Robert Lewandowski: 9
The Polish talisman scored two great goals, exhibiting strong mobility up front. Apart from being incredibly well-positioned in the box, Lewandowski was highly reliable with his hold-up play. Still, he should have had two more goals to his name.
Ferran Torres: 6
Ferran played an important role out of possession by occupying vacant gaps and pulling markers away from his compatriots in attack. Nonetheless, his impact on the ball was highly negligible and he could have easily been on the scoresheet.
