Barcelona clashed heads with Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium earlier today as they looked to earn maximum points away from home. The Catalan giants made a good start to the game and took the lead in the 23rd minute courtesy of a good finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Frenkie de Jong doubled Barca’s advantage just nine minutes later before Aubameyang struck again in the 38th minute when he tapped the ball in from close range. Barca were leading 3-0 at the half-time break.
Carlos Soler pulled a goal back for Valencia in the 52nd minute. However, Pedri killed the game off just after the hour mark when he found the back of the net with a brilliant strike. The match ended with the Catalan giants earning a comfortable 4-1 win on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player performed during the match against Valencia.
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen – 7/10
The German keeper made a few important saves at the back but won’t be happy after conceding a goal early in the second half.
RB: Sergino Dest – 6.5/10
Dest cleared the danger when needed and made one good run with the ball down the right flank.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 7/10
He didn’t take too many chances when clearing his lines and was tidy with his passing.
CB: Eric Garcia – 7/10
The Spanish centre-back made two crucial interceptions in the first half but could only last 45 minutes.
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LB: Jordi Alba – 7/10
The Spaniard was solid at the back and ended the game with an assist to his name.
CM: Gavi – 7.5/10
Gavi showed plenty of promising signs in the opposition half and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 7/10
The Spanish talent did a good job anchoring the midfield for Barca but offered very little in the final third.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 7/10
He had a good game in the final third and scored Barca’s second goal. However, he got substituted in the 59th minute.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – 8/10
Dembele made two dangerous runs with the ball and created a couple of promising chances in the attacking end of the field.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8/10
Aubameyang scored two good goals in the first half which gave Barca the ideal platform to go on and secure the win.
LW: Ferran Torres – 6/10
He struggled to get into the flow of the game and was quiet in the Valencia half.
Substitutes:
CB: Oscar Mingueza – 6/10
He won’t be pleased after allowing a goal early in the second half.
CM: Pedri – 8/10
The Spaniard scored Barca’s fourth goal with a memorable strike.
CM: Nico Gonzalez – 6/10
The youngster added some energy to Xavi’s midfield.
RW: Adama Traore – 6/10
He offered very little after coming off the bench.
ST: Luuk de Jong – N/A
The Dutch striker made some clearances late in the game.
