Barcelona clashed heads with Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica earlier tonight as they looked to secure a win in La Liga. The Catalan giants made a quick start to the game and scored the opening goal in the 18th minute courtesy of Pedri’s effort. Barca sat on their lead well and went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Xavi’s men controlled the game well in the second half and earned a narrow 1-0 win on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player fared during the match against Villarreal.
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen – 7/10
The German keeper made a couple of solid saves at the back and secured a well-deserved clean sheet away from home.
RB: Jules Kounde – 6.5/10
Kounde didn’t do much wrong at the back and made one good run with the ball.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 7.5/10
He produced a dominant display on the defensive end of the field and was a strong presence in the air.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 7/10
Christensen didn’t do much wrong at the back and was accurate with his passing.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 7/10
He performed his defensive duties well and made two good runs with the ball.
CM: Pedri – 7.5/10
Pedri got stuck in with some solid tackles and made a couple of inviting chances in the final third. He ended up scoring the only goal of the game in the 18th minute.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 8/10
De Jong earned the ball back for his team plenty of times and was also lively in the opponent’s half.
CM: Franck Kessie – 7/10
He was a positive influence at both ends of the field and passed the ball well from midfield.
RW: Raphinha – 6.5/10
The Brazilian sensation completed a couple of dangerous dribbles on the right flank.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 8/10
He was a constant menace in the final third and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
LW: Gavi – 7/10
The Spaniard had a couple of bright moments in the game but failed to find the back of the net.
Substitutes:
RW: Ferran Torres – 6/10
He offered very little after coming on a substitute.
LB: Jordi Alba – N/A
Alba came on for the final few minutes of the game.
