Barcelona took on Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas late on Tuesday night aiming for their third win of the season.
More importantly, the Blaugrana were tasked with breaking the curse of the stadium for they were without a win at Vallecas in three games.
Hansi Flick did not make overt changes to his starting lineup on the night despite the availability of Dani Olmo, only starting Gerard Martin in place of Alejandro Balde at left-back.
The hosts opened the scoring on the night through Unai Lopez in just the ninth minute of the game, putting pressure on the Blaugrana for the remainder of the first half.
Barcelona only found the equaliser after the break when Pedri took matters into his own hands and scored a well-worked goal.
Eventually, it was the new signing Dani Olmo who scored a stunning goal to give the Blaugrana the lead and all three points on the night.
Barca Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona’s night out at Vallecas.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 6.5
It was a rather busy outing for the German goalkeeper who was forced into two saves in the first half alone. Conceded a goal in just the ninth minute but could have done much better in preventing it in hindsight.
Gerard Martin: 6.5
The 22-year-old was handed the start by Flick after the manager decided to provide Alejandro Balde with some rest after a long weekend shift. He did not make any glaring errors but did not particularly stand out either in defence or offence.
Inigo Martinez: 7.5
Caught out of position for Rayo’s opener but otherwise enjoyed a decent and solid performance. Completed 93% of his passes and began the buildup for the team’s equaliser in addition to one key pass and three successful long balls.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
The teenage defender, as always, was fearless at the back and composed with the ball. His distribution formed the basis of Barcelona’s buildup more often than not and he was not tested defensively for a long period in the second half.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
A decent showing from the right-back who was subdued compared to the version he showed at the weekend. Primarily stayed put in defence but pushed forward and combined well in attack in the second period.
Completed the game with two clearances, two tackles, a key pass, and 82% pass accuracy.
Pedri: 8.5
Pedri was simply magical against Rayo Vallecano, once again playing as a double pivot in defence and pushing forward to play-make in possession.
The Canary Island-based midfielder was simply unplayable in possession and appeared very sharp with his moves and fitness.
Single-handedly created and finished Barcelona’s opener on the night with a little help from Raphinha.
Marc Bernal: 8
The 17-year-old dished out a simple, elegant and mature performance in the defensive midfield, holding his own to keep Rayo Vallecano at bay on the counter.
Completed 89% of his passes, provided one key pass, eight defensive actions and completed 100% of his long balls attempted on the night.
Ferran Torres: 7
The winger played 45 minutes on the night with reasonable success and he posed a decent threat on the left side and completed 100% of his dribbles.
However, he was not helped by Barcelona’s overall poor first-half display. Came off in the 45 minutes for Dani Olmo.
Raphinha: 8.5
The orchestrator-in-chief was confident and strong on the ball, leading the counterattack and often progressing deep in the final third.
Yet, he was somewhat a shadow of the version he showed at the weekend in terms of playmaking in the opening period.
Came back for the second half much improved as he created a threat with every carry. Showed great understanding and maturity to return the ball to Pedri for Barcelona’s equaliser, earning the assist.
Lamine Yamal: 8.5
The best Barcelona player by far in the first half, Yamal stole the show on the right wing with two key passes, three successful dribbles, one shot on target and one blocked shot in just 45 minutes.
Was his spirited self in the second half, even earning the assist for Olmo’s eventual winner.
Robert Lewandowski: 7
Once again tasked with just camping in the opposition area and waiting for his moment, Lewy endured a bland first half wherein he merited only 13 touches and six passes.
Did well to find the back of the net in the second half but was unlucky as it was ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
Dani Olmo: 9
Changed the tone of the game immediately after coming on as he amped up Barcelona’s attack and helped create significant danger in the final third. Almost scored an audacious goal from a distance close to the hour mark.
Found the back of the net from a ridiculously tight angle to give Barcelona the lead and all three points at the Vallecas.
Alexander Balde: 7
Brought life to the left flank after coming on in the 65th minute but did not play as advanced as he usually operates.
Related News :