La Liga 2017/18: Girona 0-3 Barcelona, Player ratings
Barcelona travelled to Estadi Montivili for the first time in La Liga history to face Girona in the Catalan derby. Barcelona were expected to win this game with ease against the newly promoted side. However, Girona put in a fine performance as they frustrated their neighbors all night long.
Barcelona took a two-goal lead thanks to the two own goals scored by Aday and Iraizoz. Luis Suarez then added a third goal after he beat Iraizoz on his near post. Girona, for most of the night, frustrated Barcelona by executing the offside traps perfectly as Barcelona were caught offside 14 times.
Here, let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams.
Barcelona
Ter Stegen: 8/10
The German International was a standout performer in goal tonight. He pulled off brilliant saves off a header off Olunga from point-blank range and a double save off a powerful drive from Douglas Luiz apart from a number of routine saves.
Roberto: 7.5/10
Back in his right-back role after Semedo was rested, he produced an amazing performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in attack along with recycling the ball well. In defence, he was solid and never allowed Aday to cut in or put in a cross.
Mascherano: 7.5/10
Mascherano had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won tackles, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence.
Umtiti: 6.5/10
This was a poor game by the standards he has set for himself. He made important tackles and interceptions but looked nervous and made a mess of a few clearances, especially in the second half under pressure from the opposition.
Alba: 6/10
The Spanish International was much quieter today. He was left with a lot to deal on his flank and generally did struggle against a pacey and tricky Portu. A mixed day at the office for him as he missed a glorious opportunity to put Barca in the lead after being sent through on goal by Messi.
Rakitic: 6.5/10
Playing in Busquets role, he did a decent enough job. He provided cover for his defenders and recycled possession, though not at a level Busquets might have done. He moved into central midfield after Busquets came on.
Paulinho: 5.5/10
He had a bright start to the game and was involved in the buildups during the first half. However, he faded as the match went on. He did not offer himself much to his teammates when in possession but was a hard worker off it.
Iniesta: 7/10
Decent performance from the veteran midfield virtuoso. He was tidy in possession but never much of a threat. He won back the ball quite a few number of times though.
Vidal: 6.5/10
He worked tirelessly for the time he was afforded on the pitch was always available for the ball. He forced an own goal in the second half, but did not put in a much of a convincing performance for a starting spot on Barcelona's right.
Suarez: 7.5/10
The old Luisito seems to be on his way back. Took his goal with a fine finish into Iraizoz's near post. He worked hard all night and never shied away from running beyond the last man despite being flagged offside multiple times.
Messi: 6/10
The diminutive Argentine had a poor game by his standards. He was marked out of the game by Maffeo and was flagged offside multiple times too. He will be eager to bounce back next weekend.
Substitutes
Busquets: 7.5/10
Busquets came on for Paulinho in the second half as Barcelona struggled to take control of the midfield. And he was successful. What will Barcelona do without him?
Denis Suarez: N/A
Gomes: N/A