Raphinha 8.5, De Jong 8.0 | Leganes 0-1 Barcelona: Player ratings | OneFootball

A nail-biting encounter against Leganes ends up in victory for Barcelona as they extend their lead at the top of La Liga. For La Blaugrana, this game was a must-win encounter and they managed to get the job done. However, it was far from a sublime display from Barcelona and was instead a game of moments.

The one moment that defined the game, however, came through a Leganes own goal. With just a 1-0 victory, Barcelona grab three crucial points from a tough fixture that now sees them extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

Here are the player ratings for Hansi Flick’s team.

Player Ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny: 8.0

Brilliant performance from the Polish goalkeeper, who did well to remain calm under pressure. Moreover, his saves were simply vital in order to help Barcelona ensure victory in this game.

Jules Kounde: 7.0

Good performance from the Frenchman, who did well to aid both offensively and defensively. However, he needs to be a bit more dynamic in terms of his play on the ball and needs to show less respect to his opponents in order to minimize the space he gives them.

Ronald Araujo: 7.5

Only played the first half but had a solid display. While his ball-playing was not exactly as fluid or quick as his other teammates, he was definitely the team’s defensive pillar. Made some crucial blocks and interventions.

Inigo Martinez: 8.5

Alongside Ronald Araujo, the Spanish defender was also a resilient problem at the back for Leganes. His performance was solid throughout the match, but his last-ditch tackle to stop a late Leganes goal was quite possibly the biggest moment of the night.

Alejandro Balde: 5.0

Was injured during the first half but did not have much of an impact before that either. A quiet game for Alejandro Balde.

Eric Garcia: 7.0

Did well in terms of what his role was, but was still not that impactful as a defensive midfielder in this game. However, he remained committed to the cause until the very end of his time on the field.

Pedri: 7.5

The Spaniard did not exactly have his best ever game, but it was still one where he was essential to the team’s ability on the ball. Moreover, when Frenkie de Jong came on, his play improved even more with a teammate on the field who was on the same wavelength.

Lamine Yamal: 6.5

Rather ineffective today, and that was both because of the way Leganes was marking him and the way his own game was not exactly at its sharpest. Needed to do better.

Fermin Lopez: 6.5

Solid performance from the Spaniard in terms of his off-the-ball work, and even some of the plays that he generated. However, his finishing and final pass were both lacking in this game.

Raphinha: 8.5

Created a few decent chances for the team, and added a lot of work rate during the first half as well. However, it was his crucial last-second intervention near the end of the first half that kept the game at 0-0. Provided more of the same in the second half, and that even led to Leganes scoring an own-goal thanks to the Brazilian’s cross being redirected into the net.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.0

Quiet game for the Polish veteran, and that is likely due to the lack of service he received in this game. Apart from that, had a decent enough outing in terms of his own hold-up play and his passing.

Substitutes:

Gerard Martin: 7.5

Replaced Alejandro Balde but added some much-needed impact from that left flank, Gerard Martin had a great game. It was his crucial interception that eventually led to Barça’s first goal.

Frenkie de Jong: 8.0

The Dutchman’s arrival completely changed the game for Barcelona. Brilliant in the midfield, and completely changed the complexion of the match with his composure and ability to make the right decisions.

Gavi: 7.0

Was an issue for Leganes throughout the time that he was on the pitch. Added energy and intensity, and it worked in making Leganes as uncomfortable as possible.

Ferran Torres: 6.0

The Spanish forward provided space and movement to the team, and that ended up causing issues for Leganes.

Pau Cubarsi: 6.0

Did well to add some composure at the back for Barcelona and never looked to be under any kind of pressure no matter what.