Barcelona faced off against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium earlier tonight as they focused on securing a win in the Catalan derby. Xavi’s men made a dream start to the game as they scored the opening goal in the second minute when Pedri found the back of the net from close range. However, the home team equalised in the 40th minute courtesy of Sergi Darder’s brilliant effort. Both sides went into the half-time interval with a 1-1 scoreline.
Raul de Tomas gave Espanyol the lead with a clinical finish just after the hour mark. Barca struggled to come up with a response but finally managed to net the equaliser in injury-time when Luuk de Jong scored with a great header. The Catalan derby ended with Barca securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player fared during the clash against Espanyol.
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen – 6/10
The German keeper made two good saves but won’t be happy after conceding a goal in each half.
RB: Sergino Dest – 6/10
He made a couple of solid tackles but struggled to impress going forward.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 6.5/10
Araujo cleared his lines when required in the first half but was taken off at half-time.
CB: Gerard Pique – 5.5/10
He won the ball back a few times for his team and was strong in the air. However, Pique let his teammates down by getting sent off in injury-time.
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LB: Jordi Alba – 8/10
The Spaniard made a few important interceptions at the back and managed to fashion some inviting chances for his teammates up top.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 6/10
He failed to give a good account of himself and got replaced after the hour mark.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 6.5/10
Busquets made a few solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park.
CM: Pedri – 7/10
The Spanish youngster opened the goal-scoring for Barca and had a few lively moments in the opponent’s half.
RW: Adama Traore – 8.5/10
He completed a few dangerous dribbles with the ball and picked up an assist for setting up de Jong’s injury-time equaliser.
ST: Ferran Torres – 6/10
Torres was quiet for most of the game and lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
LW: Gavi – 6/10
He made two clever runs with the ball but didn’t do enough to register a goal.
Substitutes:
CB: Eric Garcia – 6/10
Garcia brought some steel to Barca’s defence.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6/10
The former Arsenal striker never looked like he would score.
CM: Nico Gonzalez – 6/10
He added some freshness to Xavi’s midfield.
LW: Ousmane Dembele – 6/10
The French talent made two good runs with the ball.
ST: Luuk de Jong – N/A
De Jong came on and scored in injury-time which salvaged a point for Barca.
