A victory for FC Barcelona against Atletico Madrid would have been crucial, and that is exactly what they got. Beyond just the 1-0 victory, Xavi’s side played the best quality of football that they have in quite some time. Adding three points to such a performance was only the cherry on top.
The goal from Joao Felix was one made out of great positional and technical play. However, this was only the tip of the iceberg. FC Barcelona played like champions again and an absolutely dominant display sees them clinch all three points from a hotly anticipated clash.
Here is how the Barcelona players fared against Atletico:
Player Ratings:
Inaki Pena: 8.5
Having nothing much to do for much of the game, Inaki Pena still put in a great shift. His passing was accurate and he was confident enough to snuff out any chances that Atletico managed to create. Moreover, he arguably made two crucial game-winning saves, including one to stop Memphis Depay from scoring a freekick.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
The Portuguese fullback was relentless. Arriving to ensure that he contributed offensively, he was simultaneously just as aware of his defensive duties. A strong all-round performance from the Manchester City loanee.
Andreas Christensen: 7.0
A defensive performance that definitely increases his chances of starting again. Standing his ground and making some vital interceptions, Christensen was also quite influential in the passing plays that allowed Barça to control the game.
Ronald Araujo: 8.0
A captain’s performance was what Ronald Araujo put out. Defensively a Goliath, he made sure to put the right foot in whenever it was needed. Physically outdoing his opponents, whether by strength or by speed, but Araujo was instrumental to this win.
Jules Kounde: 8.0
Despite his insistence of preferring to play as a central defender, Jules Kounde played a great game at right-back. Overlapping runs, great interceptions, and smart decisions were coupled with even more solid defensive work. Great performance from the Frenchman.
Ilkay Gundogan: 9.0
Despite not being directly involved in either scoring or assisting, Ilkay Gundogan was Barça’s best performer on the night. Crafting key chances, making superb interceptions and recoveries, as well as setting up his team with the most efficient of positional decisions, Gundogan displayed a complete masterclass.
Frenkie De Jong: 8.0
A key part of a very stable and fluid midfield trio, Frenkie De Jong was the catalyst for Barcelona. Carrying the ball with great confidence and technique, De Jong left Atletico grasping at thin air. What a player.
Pedri: 8.5
Dazzling footwork, cheeky passes, and more technical goodness that makes Pedri as special as he is, were all on full display. The Spaniard seems to be fully back at his best level, and Barcelona are enjoying every bit of it. The Golden Boy will now be looking to add even more bright displays to this one.
Joao Felix: 8.5
The man of the moment, Joao Felix had a lot of lights focused on him. However, instead of being dazed by them, he put in a proper classy performance. His brilliant chipped goal, coupled with his remarkable footwork and determined work-rate, enabled Barcelona to dominate the game.
Robert Lewandowski: 4.0
Very few adjectives can describe how poor Robert Lewandowski was against Atletico. An abundance of chances fell his way, yet the Polish striker took advantage of none of them. Even a few great chances for a pass opened up, but the Barcelona ace did not capitalize.
Raphinha: 8.0
Assisted Joao Felix for the crucial game-winning goal, and was dangerous even apart from it. The Brazilian made a couple of very good chances for his teammates and himself, thwarting Oblak’s goal on a few occasions.
Substitutes:
Ferran Torres: N/A
Not enough influence or time on the field to warrant a rating.
Lamine Yamal: N/A
Not enough influence or time on the field to warrant a rating.
Fermin Lopez: N/A
Not enough influence or time on the field to warrant a rating.
