Coming off impressive wins against Inter Milan and Napoli, respectively, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona were both in high spirits as they walked on to the Wanda Metropolitano tonight for game week 29 of La Liga.
Both coaches had decided to make several changes to the starting lineups, keeping in mind the hectic nature of the football calendar this season.
And as expected most of the game was extremely cagey and intense, with Barcelona somehow finding a way through courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski, who combined in the final-third to set up Joao Félix for the opening goal.
The second half was much easier, though, as Barcelona found their footing brilliantly. Lewandowski was at the heart of it all, scoring a sensational volley early in the second half, and then assisting Fermin Lopez for the third with a solid cross.
An excellent way to call curtains before the international break for Barcelona, who will now eye the PSG clash more than ever.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7
Poor distribution on all levels today from ter Stegen, who often tried to go direct and chose his receiver poorly. Also took too much time on the ball at other times, with Gundogan screaming for the ball completely unmarked.
Made one absolute screamer of a save in the second half, though, and should be credit for the same.
Jules Kounde: 8
Kounde continued his impressive streak as the right-back tonight, taking care of Samuel Lino, Reinildo Mandava, and Rodrigo Riquelme almost single-handedly. Solid in possession, too, and almost won a penalty with his efforts.
Ronald Araujo: 8
A bit questionable with some of his defensive decisions early on, almost costing the team a penalty. But did superbly well to deal with Morata, much like Osimhen by staying close to him and not allowing him to contest duels.
Pau Cubarsí: 7.5
Exceptionally solid in defence, clearing every single pass, cross, or shot thrown his way.
Hector Fort: 7
Quietly had a rather impressive game, even though he made some odd decisions early on. Did well against Llorente and Molina, both offensively and defensively.
Fermin Lopez: 7.5
Fermin’s athleticism was very important in this Barcelona side with Gundogan and Roberto in midfield, and he came through exactly as expected. Made some solid runs into the box, defended deep, and eventually was rewarded for his efforts for a goal.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5
Gundogan nearly single-handedly created Felix’s goal as he sold Llorente and found a way around Savic with his pass. Was also important out of possession, making a fair few key tackles just outside the box.
Sergi Roberto: 7
Dropped deep to play out the ball from defence, and was important in helping stop a few counter-attacks.
Raphinha: 7.5
Had a rather underwhelming first-half but did a lot of damage in the second half. Assisted Lewandowksi’s goal, first, and then helped create a few chances with superb passes over the defence.
Robert Lewandowski: 9.5
The best player tonight, Lewandowski really came through with his experience. He first assisted Felix with a lovely touch-and-lay off in the box, before scoring one of the goals of the season on the volley.
If that was not enough, he also assisted Fermin for the third goal with the most perfectly timed cross.
He could have had a couple more goal contributions on another day, too. Near-perfect performance from the no. 9.
Joao Félix: 7.5
Opened up the floodgates with his goal, and had a few neat tricks up his sleeve the rest of the game, too.
Lamine Yamal: 6
Should never have been brought on as early as he was, in the first place. But with 30 minutes to spare with three goals up, Yamal did not have much to do, anyway.
Oriol Romeu: 6.5
Kept is slick and simple, made no mistakes. All Barcelona fans can ask for of him right now.
Vitor Roque: 7
Had the chance to score a 1v1 in injury time, but was completely wiped out by Nahuel Molina. Great energy from him in very little time.
