Barcelona manage to start off 2024 with the best result they could have managed. Despite not being a pretty first half, Barcelona managed to win the game through their second half. A resilient Barça performance sees the Catalan giants emerge as 2-1 winners.
Many stars were brought off and brought in during the game, and differences were made. At last, it was through goals from Ferran Torres and Ilkay Gundogan that Barcelona managed to overturn a one goal deficit into a one goal lead by halftime.
Here is how the Barcelona players fared against Las Palmas.
Player Ratings:
Inaki Pena: 7.0
Could have definitely done better for the opening goal that Las Palmas scored. However, he gradually began to redeem himself with the quality and quantity of saves that he made. Strong end to the game for the Spaniard.
Joao Cancelo: 5.0
The Portuguese fullback did not really get a chance to shine during the match. Quite early on, the man on loan from Manchester City had to be taken off. Suffering a knee injury, Barça will be concerned about the implications.
Ronald Araujo: 7.5
In terms of commitment to this team, few players match Ronald Araujo’s demeanor. Despite holding his own in terms of defensive contributions, the Uruguayan also made the runs forward whenever needed. His overall performance was a sight to behold.
Jules Kounde: 7.0
The Frenchman provided a lot of service to Barcelona both offensively and defensively. Starting as a central defender, he made no issues with being shifted to the flank once Joao Cancelo got injured.
Alejandro Balde: 6.0
The Spaniard started off the game on a really high note. However, his tempo seemed to reduce over the course of the game. Whereas his teammates began to rise to the occasion, the Spaniard became more and more frustrating to watch as time went on.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
The German veteran was ultimately the scorer of a great penalty in a moment of intense pressure. Courtesy of his composure, both during the game and while taking the penalty, Barcelona ended up taking away all three points.
Sergi Roberto: 6.5
While Sergi Roberto could not have the same influence on the game that he had against Almeria, he still had his moments. Perhaps too unselfish at times during the game, however.
Frenkie De Jong: 7.5
The Dutchman was absolutely fantastic to watch against Las Palmas. Whenever his team needed a pinpoint delivery or a break through the lines, Frenkie De Jong was right there. Brilliant performance from the masterful midfield maestro of Barcelona.
Raphinha: 5.5
Arguably the most frustrating player on the field for Barcelona on the field, the Brazilian winger was trying too much and ended up doing too little. Overcomplicated things quite a few times as well, and even visibly frustrated Xavi on several occasions.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.0
Similar to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski clearly never understand what the game needed. With Las Palmas playing an extremely high line, the Pole could never do much with his lack of pace. Was ultimately replaced near the 70th minute mark.
Ferran Torres: 8.0
Arguably the only starting Barcelona forward that actually looked threatening. His speed proved to be too much for Las Palmas to deal with at times, and he would ultimately also be the first scorer for Barcelona, scoring a goal that revitalized the team’s performance.
Substitutes:
Andreas Christensen: 5.5
Came into the game as a replacement for Joao Cancelo, and managed to hold his own. However, he could have done better to intercept the pass for the opening goal from Las Palmas.
Lamine Yamal: 6.0
The young La Masia jewel was quite the player to watch whenever he had the ball. Made some dizzying runs and passes, and overall made the right wing position for Barcelona look much more threatening.
Joao Felix: 6.5
Initially, Felix not being included in the official starting lineup did not come as a surprise. However, it was ultimately thanks to the efforts of the Portuguese star that Barcelona managed to win. However, he should have arguably had some assists to his name given the passes that he played.
Vitor Roque: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating. Did have some decent attempts at goal, however.
Fermin Lopez: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating. Did have some decent attempts at goal, however.
