A Fermin Lopez saved an otherwise languid Barcelona, as the Catalonians sealed a win to all-but secure a second-placed finish in La Liga. The Blaugrana were poor for long stretches, but timely goals from the academy graduate set up a 2-0 victory.
Barca’s opener was made in La Masia. Hector Fort, in for the inconsistent Joao Cancelo, whipped a cross to the back post, which Lopez dutifully nodded home.
Xavi’s side were hardly secure in their led, though. Pau Cubarsi was called on to make a number of last-ditch tackles, while a better effort from Leo Baptistao in a one-on-one would have given the home side an equaliser. Adrian Embarba followed his effort by cracking a shot off the post on the stroke of half time. The Blaugrana fortune continued after the break. Anthony Lozano opened the second half by missing a sitter.
And they were made to pay, with Lopez making an impact again. The Barca youth product darted into the box to meet a Sergi Roberto cross in stride to double the Blaugrana advantage.
It was an otherwise comfortable night for Xavi’s side, who have admittedly little to play for at this point.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from the Estadio Mediterraneo…
.png?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Goalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Made a couple of impressive stops in the first half. Was lucky that Almeria missed a lot. A very strange clean sheet to keep.
Jules Kounde (8/10):
Impressive at the back; made his challenges and won his duels. Much better going forward, too, creating a handful of chances. Looked tired after an hour.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
Threw in some impressive – if rather reckless – tackles. Played some outrageous – if rather risky – passes.
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Given another look, and turned in a mixed showing. His far younger partner looked more comfortable.
Hector Fort (7/10):
Played a wonderful cross to set up the opener, and was steady throughout. Probably deserves more minutes going forward.
.png?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Midfield
Sergi Roberto (6/10):
Can’t be faulted for his effort, but didn’t hold down the middle very effectively. Looked much better when going forward, and produced a nice assist for Lopez.
Pedri (5/10):
Floated around, played some lovely passes, but was rather lackadaisical on the ball at times. Not the kind of shift you’d expect from a player who will want to start at Euro 2024 for Spain.
Fermin Lopez (8/10):
Took the opening goal well. Made the second look even better. Wasn’t on the ball a lot, but he patrolled space with aplomb.
.png?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Did some outrageous things with the ball, and was a threat – as usual. His impact waned as the game wore on, though.
Robert Lewandowski (5/10):
Had three shots, but none of them were particularly clear. Puzzling that he started; Barca have nothing to play for here.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Didn’t do much to take advantage of the opportunity afforded to him on the left. Better off the bench.
Subs & Manager
Joao Felix (4/10):
Given 30 minutes to impress. Missed an easy chance and was overall disappointing.
Andreas Christensen (5/10):
Held down the centre and kept it simple.
Vitor Roque (5/10):
Surprising that he’s alive. Ran a lot, got booked, looked generally frustrated.
Joao Cancelo (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Xavi (7/10):
Rotated a bit, giving Fort a look, and also offering chances to Torres and Lopez. Barca were really leaky for some stretches, but scored some good goals and will take the win.
