After a thrilling end-to-end clash, FC Barcelona and Granada share the spoils. With a 2-2 draw having to settle their differences, both the teams take away one point each that holds a significantly different value for either team.
A struggling Granada side will look at the point as a great one earned against one of the top sides in La Liga. On the other hand, Barcelona will regret their wasted chances as they continue to fight for the league title against Real Madrid and are currently third in the league standings, sitting three points behind Los Blancos and one point behind Girona.
With Jules Kounde injured and Lamine Yamal making history, there were some interesting performances across the field that must be assessed now that the final whistle has blown. Here is how the Barcelona players fared against Granada
Player Ratings:
Ter Stegen: 6.5
The German international was far from his best on the night. Almost every Granada attack felt threatening and he arguably should have done much better in both goals that Barcelona conceded as he managed to get a touch on both attempts.
Joao Cancelo: 7.0
Added a creative edge to Barcelona whenever possible, the Portuguese fullback managed to even provide an assist at the very end that unfortunately got chalked off for offside, or else it would have been the winner.
Jules Kounde: 5.0
Injured before the half time mark, Jules Kounde had a night to forget. Conceding two goals to Bryan Zaragoza that on a regular day, the Frenchman would have smothered out with ease, the central defender will have some real soul-searching to do after that display.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5
Arguably just as responsible as Kounde for letting Granada take advantage of Barcelona so easily. The Danish defender has had far better outings for Barcelona and this particular showcase will be one that both him and his French partner in defense will want to forget.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
Provided the assist for the equalizer and was constantly threatening Granada down the left flank. His pace was often too much to keep up with for the opposition and while most of his cutbacks felt harmless, his most lethal pass in the game ended up rewarding Barcelona with a goal.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
At times the only source of creativity for Barcelona, Ilkay Gundogan was playing a far more advanced game than his peers against Granada. One step ahead of everyone around him, he was often let down by his team rather than be at fault himself for those misplaced passes that his fellow midfielders and forwards should have seen coming.
Fermin Lopez: 6.5
The young 20-year-old came into the game guns blazing. Willing to fight for every duel and tenacious in every challenge, he left a good impression before being subbed off in the second half.
Gavi: 7.0
The young 19-year-old midfielder was again a dominating figure in midfield. Tenacious and relentless, the young Golden Boy winner was trying his hardest to get Blaugranes back into the game but he did squander some good chances to take better shots at goal.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5
The 16-year-old made history tonight with Barcelona irrespective of the final result. Scoring the first goal for the Catalans and becoming the youngest ever to do so in La Liga history, he finds his name now etched into the record books forever.
Ferran Torres: 7.0
Non-existent for a large part of the game, Ferran Torres was isolated and often taken away from the action. Began to get involved much more in the second half and it truly helped Barcelona build up more dangerous attacks.
Joao Felix: 8.0
The Portuguese star was ever-present and did his part as best as he could against Granada. Had a third goal chalked off for offside that could have given Barcelona the win near the death of the game.
Substitutes:
Ronald Araujo: 7.5
The Uruguayan arrived early to replace the injured Jules Kounde and took over right away. Constant duels going in his favor, making dangerous vertical passes, and even coming close to scoring, Araujo put forth a great display.
Oriol Romeu: 6.5
The veteran midfielder’s introduction brought stability and balance into the team. Much more active against Granada as compared to his previous recent displays, Romeu was technically astute and physically strong as he helped Barcelona stay in control.
Sergi Roberto: 7.5
The Spaniard was mostly quiet during the game after his introduction, but managed to pop up in the most crucial of spaces. Attacking the ball that came from the left through Alejandro Balde, Sergi Roberto ended up becoming the hero that helped Barcelona get away with at least a point.
