Barcelona’s poor start to the season has continued and Ernesto Valverde’s men have registered their second defeat of the season in the Primera Divison from their trip to Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes.
Granada emerged victorious against a drained and defeated Barcelona side on Matchday 5. Ramon Azeez scored early into the game with a poor defensive display from the Barcelona back-line. Second-half substitute for Granada, Alvaro Vadillo scored the second goal of the evening in the 66th minute from the penalty spot.
The absence of Jordi Alba from the starting eleven indeed pinched the Catalan side last evening. Firpo started at the left-back position and made an absolute meal of things in the build-up to the first goal from Granda. Valverde also interestingly benched Messi for this fixture and he was only introduced into the game at half-time.
The star of the season so far, Ansu Fati also had the same fate on the night. The Barcelona manager made a further fool of himself when Arturo Vidal went onto the field for Rakitic and ended up making matters worse for Barcelona. The Chilean’s first touch of the night led to a penalty, and the VAR team made the final decision.
The entire team had a miserable night of football, and they lacked any sort of creativity on the field of play. Granada were deserved winners on the evening.
Barcelona Players Rated In Loss To Granada:
Barcelona Starting Eleven
Ter Stegen – 6/10
The goalie had a busy night against Granda. Ter Stegen once again let in two goals in the Primera Divison, and he will be hugely disappointed with his performance.
Semedo – 6/10
The Portuguese had an evening to forget. Semedo was undoubtedly not comfortable playing in the left-back slot and did not give in his best performance.
Pique – 5/10
Gerard Pique showed his frustration on the field on several occasions, and that is not something that helps a team that is trailing the entire game. He was even slow to the overall pace of the game. A massive worry for Barcelona in the back-line this season.
Lenglet – 6/10
One of the best Barcelona defenders on the field of play.
Firpo – 5/10
It did not seem to work for him, and he was imminently subbed off at half-time.
Sergi Roberto – 5/10
A very strange night from Roberto. A lot more was expected of him in the game.
de Jong – 6.5/10
One of Barcelona’s biggest positives from the game was Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder showed his brilliant passing ability on numerous occasions.
Ivan Rakitic – 5/10
A lot more was expected of Ivan Rakitic on the night. The Croatian failed to take command of things in the centre of midfield with Busquets absent from the pitch.
Carles Perez – 5/10
Made one impactful cross in the first half. Perez was largely anonymous in the game and made way for Messi at half-time.
Luis Suarez – 5/10
The midfield failed to create chances for the prolific striker. Suarez himself was not able to get into the attacking positions of the pitch.
Griezmann – 5/10
Griezmann was not noticeable for the entire game. He barely had any impact on the proceedings despite playing ninety minutes.
Substitutes
Lionel Messi – 7/10
Certainly had a positive impact on the game after coming on but failed to have any sort of impact on the scoreline. The mere presence of Messi created confusion to the Granda team on occasions.
Ansu Fati – 7/10
The introduction of Fati made things far more lively for Barcelona in the final third. The teenager provided with a sense of motivation to the entire team.
Vidal – 5/10
A poor night for Arturo Vidal whose first touch of significance in the game led to a Granda penalty. The midfielder committed handball within the penalty box from a Granda set piece.
