Barcelona came from behind to record a gritty 4-1 win over Girona in a fiercely contested Catalan derby at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Despite the Blaugrana controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, they were forced to fight hard to get the three points against a dogged Girona team that was struggling on the counter.
Barcelona player ratings:
Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny (6.7)
He had an uneventful afternoon between the posts, thanks largely to Barcelona’s dominance of possession.
The Polish goalkeeper was not called upon to make very many saves but could not do anything to stop Danjuma’s nicely taken equalizer, which was against the run of play.
His distribution was sound, though he was unable to be seriously tested other than the one time when Girona scored.
Defense
Gerard Martín (7.2)
Martin had a good game at left-back, being solid in the defensive side of his game but sometimes getting into trouble with the high press of Girona.
Though not beaten one-on-one too often, his hesitation in possession at times broke up Barcelona’s build-up.
Iñigo Martínez (7.0)
Inigo continued his reliable return from injury with another mature performance.
The veteran center-back read the game superbly, winning several important interceptions and using his experience to organize the defense.
His distribution from deep was also a primary reason why Barcelona was able to play out from the back.
Ronald Araújo (8.2)
The skipper was a rock in the backline, using his physicality to dominate Girona’s forwards in the air and on the ground.
The Uruguayan also showed greater anticipation in coming up to catch the opposition’s attackers napping, and his distribution was more enterprising than in previous matches.
Jules Koundé (8)
Koundé put in another tireless performance at right-back, playing as much in attack as in defense.
He and Lamine Yamal were a deadly duo down the flank and had one in the first half chalked off for offside.
In defence, he was always ready to snuff out any danger on his flank.
Midfield
Pedri (8.5)
Pedri was the metronome in midfield, controlling the pace with his precise passing and intelligent movement.
The Spaniard was never short of space to receive the ball and play in a lovely manner from defense to attack.
His defensive work rate was also of the highest class, with him pressing back to win the ball back on several occasions.
Eric García (8.2)
Eric was excellent in the holding midfielder role while Frenkie de Jong was out.
While he did not drop as far as the Dutchman did, he did an adequate job of shielding the backline and redistributing possession.
His positional intelligence gave Pedri and Gavi the liberty to push further up.
Gavi (8.2)
Gavi started in a hybrid left-midfield role but kept finding himself drawn inwards in an attempt to dictate the game.
The teenager was everywhere, pressing constantly, winning the individual battles, and supplying a beautiful lofted pass to the second Barcelona goal.
His technical ability and work rate were instrumental in unlocking Girona’s determination.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (8.5)
Yamal maintained his vibrant form, harassing Girona’s backline with his agility and creativity.
The teen was an ever-present outlet on the right wing and was involved heavily in the opener, as his free-kick was deflected into the goal.
His maturity and confidence were far beyond his years.
Robert Lewandowski (9.0)
Lewandowski was the match-winner, rescuing a poor first half to score when it counted.
Having squandered some gilt-edged chances in the early stages, the Pole demonstrated his killer touch with two clinical strikes to seal the game.
His movement and passing were also instrumental in over-stretching Girona’s defence.
Fermín López (8)
Fermín was a perpetual thorn in the final third with his astute movement and eagerness to shoot.
The La Masia product was instrumental in opening up Girona’s defense, such as with a perfectly weighted pass for Lewandowski’s first goal.
His dynamism and directness provided Barcelona with an added dimension in attack.
Substitutes
Frenkie de Jong (8.0)
The Dutchman was involved directly when he was introduced, introducing composure and control to the middle of the park.
The Dutchman led a quick counterattack, which was completed by Lewandowski’s second goal, showing his passing range and vision.
Ferran Torres (8.0)
The shark made good use of his cameo, crowning the win with a well-taken goal.
The Spaniard’s finishing and speed were the perfect way of sealing a hard-fought win.
Balde (7.0)
Blalde added explosive pace on the left flank, helping maintain control while making key defensive recoveries.
Cubarsí (7.5)
Cubarsí slotted in seamlessly with composure on the ball and smart interceptions, continuing his impressive rise.
Pablo Torre (7)
He showed quick feet and creativity in his brief cameo, nearly creating a chance with an incisive pass.
Conclusion Although Barcelona was short of their fluid best, they were gritty enough to earn an all-important derby win. The double of Lewandowski proved to be decisive, but a collective effort, with Pedri, Fermín, and Yamal’s best performances, kept the three points in Barcelona’s grasp.
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