Barcelona entertained Villarreal at the Nou Camp earlier tonight hoping to kick off their La Liga campaign with a victory at home. The Catalans made a dominant start to the game and found themselves in a commanding position after Ansu Fati scored a quick-fire brace within the first 20 minutes. Lionel Messi added another one in the 35th minute via the penalty spot. Villarreal’s Pau Torres scored an unfortunate own goal in the 45th minute which killed the contest off.
The home team kept the pressure on in the second half and cruised towards a comfortable and dominant 4-0 win at their own backyard.
Let’s take a look at how each Barca player performed during the match against Villarreal.
GK: Neto – 7/10
The Barcelona goalie was hardly tested during the match and secured an easy clean sheet tonight. He also passed the ball accurately out from the back.
RB: Sergi Roberto – 7.5/10
He was bright and lively going forward and did his job defensively well throughout the 90 minutes. Roberto created a couple of decent chances and was unlucky not to pick up an assist during the game.
CB: Gerard Pique – 7/10
The Spaniard maintained a solid defensive shape inside his half and did well to earn a shutout.
CB: Clement Lenglet – 7/10
The French centre-back was strong in the air and performed well enough to restrict the opposition side from scoring tonight.
LB: Jordi Alba – 8.5/10
The Spanish full-back was a constant menace for the Villarreal defenders down the left flank. He was always willing to get forward and created some inviting openings for his teammates in the attacking third. He also got back and defended well inside his half when required.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 7/10
The veteran midfielder kept possession moving at the centre of the park before being subbed out for Pjanic in the second half.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 7/10
He created a couple of decent chances to score and passed the ball with a lot of conviction during the 90 minutes.
RW: Antoine Griezmann – 6/10
The Frenchman struggled to get into the game in what was a lacklustre display from him on the right flank. He got replaced in the final quarter of the game.
CAM: Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
The Brazilian playmaker showed his class by picking up an assist for setting up Fati’s second goal. He caused all sorts of problems for the opposition defenders with his creativity and shooting.
LW: Ansu Fati – 9/10
The Barca youngster registered two quick-fire goals in the first half, which gave his team the initiative to go on and secure a dominant win at the Nou Camp. He deserves to be named the man of the match for his excellent contributions in the final third.
ST: Lionel Messi – 8/10
The Argentine maestro was not shy of testing the Villarreal keeper Sergio Asenjo during the game and did well to convert his spot-kick in the 35th minute.
Substitutes:
CM: Miralem Pjanić – 6/10
He distributed the ball well after coming off the bench.
LW: Ousmane Dembele – 6/10
Dembele brought some fresh energy onto the field.
RW: Francisco Trincão – 6/10
He kept things tidy on the right flank.
CAM: Pedri – 6/10
The Spanish playmaker got some valuable minutes under his belt and produced an assured performance after coming on in the 70th minute.
