Barcelona’s perfect evening at the Camp Nou Stadium was ruined courtesy of another Clement Lenglet error in defence. Barcelona and Cadiz shared the points on Matchday 24 of the Primera Division as the fixture got decided on two spot-kicks in each half. The Catalans failed to take advantage of the fact that Atletico de Madrid dropped points yesterday.
Barcelona were the first to find the back of the net in the first half as Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot. The Cules then dominated proceedings until the closing moments of the match. Cadiz barely put about 200 passes in total this evening in comparison to Barcelona’s 800.
Ronald Koeman’s substitutions on the evening were questionable once again as he replaced Pedri in the second half. His error came back to haunt him as Clement Lenglet made a rookie mistake inside his penalty box in the 89th minute of the match. Cadiz’ Alex Fernandez was quick to pounce on the rare opportunity and drew his side level with a spot pick. Here’s how Barcelona players are rated in their 1-1 draw against Cadiz –
Barcelona Player Ratings Against Cadiz
Barcelona Player Ratings Against Cadiz
GK : Marc Andre Ter Stegen – 7/10
The German goalie barely had a save to make throughout the length of the game as the visitors failed to put a shot on target. However, Ter Stegen was unable to keep out Alex Fernandez’ penalty in the closing moments of the game.
RB : Sergino Dest – 7/10
An assuring performance from Sergino Dest at the right-back slot before making way for Oscar Mingueza in the 80th minute of the match.
CB : Gerard Pique – 7/10
Pique had a relaxed evening in comparison to the Paris Saint-Germain match and seems to be heading in the right direction after returning from a 3-month long injury layoff. However, the defender was visibly upset with Lenglet’s tackle that led to the penalty.
CB : Clement Lenglet – 5/10
The defender was barely troubled throughout the game and yet made another horrendous tackle in defence that led to a penalty in the 89th minute. Ronald Koeman’s side have dropped points once again due to a defensive slip-up.
LB : Jordi Alba – 7/10
The full-back was industrious down the left flank. Alba toiled up and down the pitch on multiple occasions but it did not matter at the end of the ninety minutes as the two teams shared the points.
CM : Frenkie de Jong – 7/10
One of the standout performers for Barcelona in the evening. Frenkie seemed to weave magic in midfield in the first half but it faded away as the game continued.
CM : Sergio Busquets – 7/10
The Spaniard went about his business as calmly and cool headedly as ever. Busquets made way for Miralem Pjanic in the second half of the match.
CM : Pedri – 8/10
One of the best performers on the field of play for Barcelona. Pedri’s departure in the second half seemed to create a sense of panic and uncertainty in the side. It reflected eventually as Lenglet made a school-boy error in defence.
RW : Ousmane Dembele – 6/10
Dembele showed a staggering improvement in his gameplay as he dropped back to help out the defence. However, his attacking aspect of the game seemed to take a toll as his final deliveries were wayward and barely caused any harm to the visitors.
ST : Lionel Messi – 8/10
The Argentine once again looked like a one-man army burdened with the responsibility of the entire side. Messi scored from the penalty spot in the first half and tried to inspire his teammates across the length of the fixture but in vain.
LW : Antoine Griezmann – 6/10
Another poor night for Griezmann who could have sealed the tie for the Catalans. However, Griezmann failed to pounce on a Lio Messi pass and the chance went begging for Barca along with the three points.
Substitutes
CM : Miralem Pjanic – 6/10
The former Juventus midfielder was not majorly involved with play post his introduction in the second half. A lot more was expected out of Pjanic on the night.
ST : Martin Braithwaite – 6/10
The striker tried to get things going post his arrival but it did not really materialise for Martin Braithwaite.
ST : Fransisco Trincao – 6/10
One of the most controversial substitutions of the match as Trincao came on to replace Pedri. The game went downhill for Barcelona from thereon.
CM : Riqui Puig – NA
Too little time to warrant a rating.
RB : Oscar Mingueza – NA
Too little time to warrant a rating.
