A brilliant performance from FC Barcelona sees them completely rip apart BSC Young Boys at the Montjuic Stadium. Knowing how crucial a win here could have been, Hansi Flick spared no players in terms of fielding a quality lineup. Ultimately, Barcelona reaped the rewards of playing the daring and scintillating football that they did.
A dominant 5-0 scoreline saw Barça score goals through the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, and even pressured Young Boys into scoring an own goal. From back to front, Hansi Flick’s side was fluid in transition and a complete joy to watch in their first Champions League win of the season.
Here are the player ratings for Barcelona.
Player Ratings:
Inaki Pena: 6.0
Did not have much to do in the first half as the Barcelona defenders marshalled their opponents rather effortlessly.
Jules Kounde: 7.0
Constantly kept running up and down the pitch, allowing both his attackers to have an extra outlet joining them and simultaneously also giving his defenders an extra man to rely upon. Solid display from the Frenchman.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.0
A bit shaky at times but Pau Cubarsi held his own much better alongside the more experienced Inigo Martinez. Solid display from the young Spanish centre-back.
Inigo Martinez: 8.5
What a way to grab his first ever goal for FC Barcelona, Inigo Martinez started the game in high spirits and his goal was just the cherry on top. A brilliantly directed header saw the Spanish defender add a goal to his already seasoned performance that Hansi Flick could not have asked much more out of. He also added an assist as well later on.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
Much more progressive today, and the width he provided constantly kept Young Boys guessing themselves. A key player in helping Barcelona open up spaces against an opponent that seemed quite insistent initially on making sure that did not happen. Was also the reason Young Boys ended up scoring an own goal near the end of the game.
Marc Casado: 7.5
A strong display from Marc Casado saw him constantly thwart any and all advances that Young Boys tried to make towards the Barcelona goal. He allowed Pedri to roam with as much freedom as he did, and made sure he did all the extra work that his team demanded from him.
Pedri: 9.0
Sublime with every single thing he tried to pull off, Pedri was out of this world. Much more active and quick with his executions, the Spanish midfielder was always two steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch and it was practically impossible for the opposition to keep up with his trickery and creativity. Managed to get a brilliant assist for Barça’s third goal and was heavily involved in the first and second as well.
Lamine Yamal: 8.0
Simply out of this world. Lamine Yamal was essentially unstoppable and Young Boys constantly kept getting frustrated and outplayed by the young 17-year-old winger. His dribbling was a particularly difficult element for the opposition to deal with and even led to them getting several bookings as a direct consequence of Yamal’s brilliance.
Raphinha: 9.0
Way too smooth and precise with his executions, Raphinha was a genuine joy to watch. The difference between the version of this player that originally came to Barcelona and this current version of him are two completely different people. A goal to his name and a memorable performance overall, Raphinha was a class apart today and even covered a lot of ground.
Ferran Torres: 6.5
While everyone else seemed busy and active during the first-half, Ferran Torres seemed quite invisible in comparison, especially during the first 45 minutes.
Robert Lewandowski: 8.5
With some great movement, Robert Lewandowski managed to grab the first goal for Barcelona in this game following a brilliant passage of play. His hold-up and awareness were both at their best during the first 45 minutes. Also managed to get a second goal early on in the second half.
Substitutes:
Ansu Fati: 6.5
Orchestrated play from the middle of the pitch and made some promising runs through the middle as well. A bit slow in his transitions, however.
Hector Fort: 6.5
Strong in his challenges and quick to react to any potential attacks around him.
Frenkie de Jong: 6.0
The Dutchman’s return was a highly anticipated one, and it was a great sight to see him in action again in a brief but promising cameo.
Pau Victor: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.
Andres Cuenca: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating. Made his first team debut, however.