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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
Girona
Iraizoz: 6/10
Good performance by the veteran Basque goalkeeper as he kept out quite a few shots on target. However, he scored an own-goal with after touching the balls into his net following an Aleix Vidal cross.
Ramalho: 6.5/10
Ramalho was solid enough in defence, though Alba did beat him for pace quite often. He did not venture upfield much. A sound defensive outing.
Espinosa: 8/10
He was solid for most parts of the game and did not allow Barcelona to run away with the match from the start. He sniffed out attack after attack to keep the scoreline respectable. He along with his defensive partner, executed the highline almost perfectly as Barcelona were flagged offside multiple times
Juanpe: 7/10
Cala put in a good performance as he was constantly in the way of Messi and company, keeping them at bay for the majority of the game. He made a string of important interceptions and tackles to keep Girona in the game. However, it was him who played Suarez onside for Barca's third.
Aday Benitez: 5/10
He was solid enough in defence to match Aleix Vidal toe to toe. He would be gutted to have deflected Jordi Alba's harmless shot into his own net. However, despite getting into interesting positions, he could not get the better of Roberto in attack.
Maffeo: 8/10
The Manchester City youngster was absolutely amazing today as he marked Messi out of the game. Constantly, shadowing Messi, Maffeo never let him out of his sight in the time he was alotted on the pitch. Amazing performance
Pons: 7/10
Playing as a central midfielder, he was tasked with providing cover to his defenders and minimise the effect of Barcelona's midfield. For all the gulf in quality amongst the players, he did very well and did not allow Barcelona to run riot against them.
Garcia: 8/10
Another Manchester City loanee who had an amazing game. He provided cover for his defenders and constantly recycled possession and sent the ball in all directions to keep his team going. His set-piece deliveries were also good.
Portu: 7/10
Coming up against Jordi Alba and giving him a tough time with pace is not something many have done. He was full of trickery and pace and sent in a couple of good crosses into the box.
Douglas Luiz: 8/10
The third City loanee in the first eleven, Luiz was absolutely phenomenal. He was at the centre of anything good that came for Girona in the attack. His finishing did let him down a couple of times, but he was the instigator for most of his sides counter attacks.
Olunga: 6/10
The Kenyan centre-forward worked hard tirelessly but could not get better of Mascherano or Umtiti. His finishing was quite erratic and missed a glorious header from point-blank range.
Substitutes
Kayode: 6/10
On for Olunga, Kayode did not click for Girona's attack. He missed a headed effort on goal late in the game.
Mojica: 6/10
He came on for Aday in the 70th minute, but did not fare any better than him. He was full of running, but without any end product.
Moreno N/A
