Barcelona faced off against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium earlier tonight as they focused on securing a win on the road in La Liga. The Catalan outfit made a good start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 11th minute when Robert Lewandowski got his name on the scoresheet. Alejandro Balde doubled Barca’s advantage just nine minutes later with a decent effort. Lewandowski scored again for the visitors in the 40th minute as Xavi’s men went into the half-time break 3-0 up on the scoreline.
Jules Kounde killed the game off in the 53rd minute when he found the back of the net. However, the home side scored two consolation goals late in the game thanks to the efforts of Javi Puado and Joselu respectively. The contest ended with Barcelona earning a dominant 4-2 win away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player fared during the match against Espanyol.
GK: Marc-Andr̩ ter Stegen Р7/10
The German keeper made a few solid saves at the back but would be disappointed after conceding two late goals.
RB: Jules Kounde – 7/10
He was hardly tested defensively but had a lively game in the opponent’s half. Kounde scored Barca’s fourth goal in the 53rd minute.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 7/10
Araujo gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field and was accurate with his passing.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 6.5/10
He dealt with the danger when required and was replaced in the 73rd minute.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 8/10
Balde earned the ball back twice and was a real menace in the opponent’s half. He has got a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Pedri – 8/10
The Spaniard did his fair share of defending and managed to engineer a handful of promising chances in the final third.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 7/10
Busquets was a positive influence at both ends of the field.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 8.5/10
The Dutch talent made a couple of important interceptions and was quite inventive with his passing. He ended the game with an assist to his name.
RW: Raphinha – 7.5/10
Raphinha caused a few headaches for the opposition defenders and picked up an assist during the game.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 8.5/10
He made a real difference for Barcelona in the final third. Lewandowski scored twice in the first half which gave his team an ideal platform to go on and secure the win.
LW: Gavi – 6.5/10
Gavi was quiet for most of the game and did well to last 73 minutes.
Substitutes:
RW: Ousmane Dembele – 5.5/10
He made one good run with the ball.
LB: Jordi Alba – 6/10
The Spanish talent made one key chance from the left flank.
LW: Ansu Fati – 6/10
He earned the ball back once for his team.
CB: Marcos Alonso – 6/10
Alonso was accurate with his passing.
CM: Franck Kessie – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact.
