Quique Setien’s Barcelona side picked up a hard-fought 1-0 victory against city rivals Espanyol tonight, to keep their hopes of beating Real Madrid to the title alive. The Blaugrana initially found it quite hard to break down the Espanyol defence, with the away side’s counter-attacking tactics bearing more fruit.
In a wild turn of events though, both teams had a player each sent off in the second half, and this seemed to completely flabbergast the Espanyol back-line. Luis Suarez pounced on what was Barcelona’s only clear chance of the game to gain another important three points on the La Liga table. The defeat also meant that Espanyol faced their first relegation from La Liga since last going down all the way back in 1993.
Here Are The Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Espanyol:
Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Espanyol
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 6.5
The German stopper stood strong in between the sticks for Barcelona tonight, and made multiple important saves during the first half. Tried to release the ball quickly and launch counter-attacks.
Nelson Semedo – 4
The speedster’s display on the flank tonight could only be described as abysmal. Seemed to be playing as the winger in the first-half and got caught out time and time again. Came off at half-time.
Gerard Pique – 7
The Spanish veteran put in a solid performance at the heart of defence tonight, making multiple key interceptions over the course of the tie. Was the victim of the challenge that led to the Espanyol red card.
Clement Lenglet – 6.5
The centre-half held his position expertly during various circumstances all through the fixture, and made a lot of vital tackles as well. Moved the ball around with confidence and stepped forward when required to do so.
Jordi Alba – 6
The Spanish speedster played some dangerous curling balls into the Espanyol box tonight, but didn’t have his usual impact in the final third. Like Semedo, he was caught out of position on a few occasions.
Sergi Roberto – 7.5
The versatile Spaniard put in a brilliant display in the middle of the park as he ran the show from his position in the engine room of this Barcelona side. Calm in possession and played some excellent forward passes.
Sergio Busquets – 7
The Spanish veteran put in what was a good defensive performance overall, as he made some important tackles all through the ninety. Moved the ball around well and was a constant passing option for his teammates.
Ivan Rakitic – 6
The Croatian was preferred to Arturo Vidal in the starting lineup today, but he didn’t do enough to warrant another start. Played some good passes, but lacked the necessary cutting edge in the final third.
Lionel Messi – 7
The Argentine superstar didn’t have his most influential of performances tonight, but linked up superbly with the other Barcelona players. He was constantly watched by the Espanyol defenders, but couldn’t really be stopped.
Luis Suarez – 6.5
The Uruguayan was far from his best tonight as he struggled to really impact the game from open play. Despite an average performance, he took the chance that was presented to him and earned Barcelona all three points.
Antoine Griezmann – 6.5
The Frenchman made some good forward advances in the first-half, but still hasn’t found his footing since the resumption of football. Linked up well with Messi, but failed to impose himself on the Espanyol defenders.
Substitutes
Ansu Fati – NA
Came on in place of Semedo at half-time, and within two minutes of his introduction, was sent off. Initially given a yellow card, the referee’s VAR check resulted in the decision being overturned and a red card being awarded.
Arturo Vidal – 6
The Chilean was brought on in the second half as Barcelona looked to take control of the game in the middle of the park. Didn’t have too much time to impact the tie, but worked hard tracking back in the late stages.
Martin Braithwaite – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Ronald Araujo – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
