Barcelona entertained Valencia at the Nou Camp earlier this afternoon as they focused on securing a win in front of their home fans in La Liga. The Catalan club made a good start to the game and took the lead in the 15th-minute courtesy of Raphinha‘s effort. Barca protected their narrow advantage well and went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Ronald Araujo let his teammates down by getting sent off in the 59th minute. However, the ten men of Barcelona defended their lead valiantly and earned a narrow 1-0 win at home.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player fared during the clash against Valencia.
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen – 7/10
The German keeper had to make just one save in the game and earned an easy clean sheet at the Nou Camp.
RB: Jules Kounde – 7/10
The French talent gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field but offered very little going forward.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 5.5/10
He had a solid game in the first half but let his teammates down by getting sent off in the 59th minute.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 7/10
Christensen didn’t do much wrong at the back and was accurate with his passing.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 7.5/10
Balde performed his defensive duties well and was a constant menace in the opponent’s half. He made a few impressive runs down the left flank.
CM: Sergi Roberto – 7/10
He got stuck in with some solid tackles and made one decent run with the ball.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 7.5/10
The Spaniard was a positive influence at both ends of the field and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 6.5/10
He had a couple of bright moments in the first half but was replaced at the half-time break.
RW: Raphinha – 8.5/10
Raphinha was a real threat in the final third and scored the only goal of the game in the 15th minute. He deserves to be named the man of the match.
ST: Ferran Torres – 6/10
He showed some flashes of what he is capable of in the Valencia half and was unfortunate to hit the post.
LW: Ansu Fati – 6.5/10
Fati was not shy of having a strike at goal but was also guilty of hitting the post.
Substitutes:
CM: Franck Kessie – 6.5/10
He anchored the midfield well for Barcelona in the second half.
LB: Marcos Alonso – 6.5/10
The Spanish talent earned the ball back twice.
CB: Eric Garcia – N/A
He hardly had any time to influence the game.
ST: Angel Alarcon – N/A
Alarcon came on for the final few minutes of the contest.
