As has been the case so often this season, Barcelona had to line up with a completely new starting XI against Mallorca tonight due to injuries.
With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong unavailable, Raphinha was used in midfield, while Inigo Martinez covered for the suspended Ronald Araujo. Marc Guiu also started his first game for the club, as a centre-forward.
With these many changes, and experiments in the XI, Barcelona understandably had little to no chemistry on the pitch, with passes often falling short, and incomplete runs in behind the defence.
They did have one golden chance to take the lead, though, as Raphinha was brought down inside the box. Ilkay Gundogan took responsibility of the ball, but could not convert his chance from the spot.
After a series of half-chances and fractured attacks, the half-time whistle was called with the game still 0-0.
Barcelona started the second-half with much more intent, and eventually brought on Vitor Roque and Robert Lewandoswki, who positively changed the game for them.
Eventually, Lamine Yamal came through for Barça, scoring a sensational goal into the top corner that won them the game.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6
Took too long on the ball on a number of occasions, and did not even stitch together decent attacks after that. Was lucky that all of Mallorca’s attempts fell right in his palms.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
Another solid game from Kounde, who looks revitalised and back to his best in recent weeks. Did well in possession, and took responsibility of retaining possession when the game looked out of place.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
Did brilliantly to deal with Muriqi; did not give him or Larin an inch of space in the box. Was proactive with his defending, and stepped up aggressively to stop attacks, which worked wonders for Barcelona.
Inigo Martinez: 7.5
Had some trouble dealing with Cyle Larin, but did let his lack of pace get in the way of good defending. Played out some impressive line-breaking from deeper areas, and…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-1-0-mallorca-player-ratings/
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2024-03-08 21:56:18
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