Barcelona endured a hard-fought defeat in the final of the Supercopa De Catalunya against Girona FC as the latter takes the crown of the best team in the Catalan province of Spain. However, it was never an easy task for Girona to get the better of their opposition in the final of the prestigious tournament even though the Catalan giants came out with their second string for the match.
Girona’s star striker Cristhian Stuani scored the only goal of the match from a spot kick that was awarded to Girona in the 69th minute of the game. Barcelona youngsters tried their best to get the ball into the back of the opposition net but were unable to breach the Girona defence and had to leave the pitch empty-handed.
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their defeat against Girona.
Jasper Cillessen: 7
Had an excellent game in the goal as he made most of the rare opportunity that was handed to him by Ernesto Valverde. Could not prevent the spot kick as Stuani got the goal which sealed the victory for Girona.
Moussa Wague: 6
Ran up and down the pitch with a lot of pace but was not able to deliver the right ball into the opposition half to initiate an attack.
Jeison Murillo: 7
Kept Stuani under check throughout the match. His tackles were absolutely pinpoint.
Samuel Umtiti: 7
Great to see the Frenchman back on the pitch after a long time out due to injury. Made some crucial interceptions to keep the opposition attackers at bay. Was substituted right after half time as Valverde did not want to risk him picking up another injury.
Juan Miranda Gonzalez: 6
Looked good as he went up the pitch with the ball. His defensive abilities, however, need more sharpening.
Riqui Puig: 7
One of the most highly rated youngsters in the Barcelona ranks, Puig showed his worth with his classy footwork. Kept the possession of the ball well and threaded some perfect passes into the opposition half initiating attacks from the midfield.
Jean-Clair Todibo: 6
Another highly rated youngster, Todibo looked a bit on the back foot while going into challenges in the midfield. A number of his passes from the middle of the pitch were also inaccurate.
Carles Alena: 7
The time he has spent with the likes of Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho was evident from his touches. He went past the opposition defenders on a few occasions, but the finishing was lacking.
Malcom: 6
Not a good outing for the Brazilian as he could not capitalise on the chances to shoot on goal. Looks like he is only meant to score against the bigger teams in the La Liga and Champions League!
Kevin-Prince Boateng: 5
A dull night for the veteran striker as he kept shooting away from the target. Looked clueless against the Girona defenders.
Alex Collado: 5
Nothing much from the youngster as well. He looked to penetrate the defence with his physicality, but it was not his night.
Substitutes
Oriol Busquets: 6
A good shift in the heart of the defence after he came on for Umtiti in the second half.
Juan Movilla: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Abel Ruiz: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
