A sensational comeback sees FC Barcelona emerge as victors against Valencia at the Montjuic Stadium. Despite scoring first, La Blaugrana were soon left in a desperate situation. However, the Barcelona players stepped up and gave a performance worthy of the ovation they got from the fans with a 4-2 victory.
Three goals from Robert Lewandowski, with the last one being a beautiful freekick, and a goal from Fermin Lopez were enough to see Barcelona turn around a losing situation and take all three points from a match that now sees them reclaim second place in La Liga.
Here are the player ratings for the Barcelona players.
Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 6.5
A solid performance from Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will remain tainted by that one blunder he made to gift Valencia their first goal of the game. Distribution, on the other hand, was strong as always.
Joao Cancelo: 7.0
The Portuguese fullback continues to showcase exactly what everyone already understands about him. While he may have his deficiencies in defense, Cancelo remains an undeniable asset when it comes to creating attacking play.
Pau Cubarsi: 6.5
Solid performance from the youngster in the half that he played in. Distribution was reliable and he managed to handle his attackers well. He was replaced by Inigo Martinez at half-time.
Ronald Araujo: 7.0
The Uruguayan continues to be a confusing figure in recent weeks. While he is undoubtedly the Barcelona defender with the most stopping power and his presence continues to intimidate forwards, he is also susceptible to making mistakes in dangerous areas, one of which led to the penalty for Valencia.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
Solid display from the Frenchman, who kept things simple and composed. His passes were rather safe for much of the game, and he kept his cool as well to keep the opposing attackers at bay.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5
A strong half from the Danish defender as Barça’s pivot was good enough to show stability. However, he was among the first to be taken off to make room for more offensive changes in order to take advantage of Valencia going a man down.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
A composed performance from the German veteran allowed his Barcelona teammates to take advantage of the space he created. He also assisted Robert Lewandowski’s goal. Solid display from the former Manchester City midfielder.
Fermin Lopez: 8.0
Relentless in his pursuit of both the ball and players during the game, Fermin Lopez was unstoppable. He also managed to continue his fine goal-scoring form with the Barcelona first team and did well to connect with Raphinha’s well-placed cross with an equally good header.
Raphinha: 7.5
The Brazilian winger continues his fine form for Barcelona, and ended up providing a brilliant assist for the first goal. His cross was accurate and made its way directly to Fermin Lopez despite the Spaniard being crowded by Valencia players. Another strong display from the forward.
Robert Lewandowski: 10
Right when Barcelona needed him, Robert Lewandowski managed to step up again. While his team was losing, it was the Polish striker who came in clutch with two headed goals and a beautiful freekick that ended up giving Barcelona all three points from a game that seemed lost for some time and gave Lewandowski his hattrick.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5
Even when he does not get involved directly in a goal or assist, Lamine Yamal continues to be sensational. Whether it be him dribbling past a group of Valencia players or creating chances for his teammates, the 16-year-old continues to amaze in every sense of the word.
Substitutes:
Sergi Roberto: 6.5
Solid display from the captain as he entered the field and played with a certain swagger in this game. His distribution with the ball felt very composed as well.
Inigo Martinez: 6.0
Came instead of Pau Cubarsi at half-time and gave Barcelona a sense of security in the defense and also a level of maturity when attacking from corners.
Joao Felix: 5.5
Did not get to have much of an influence in the game but did nothing wrong either.
Pedri: 7.0
A goal-saving tackle from the Spaniard was basically his first touch of the game. Afterwards, he remained in the heart of the midfield to orchestrate the game with complete composure.
Ferran Torres: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.
