Szczesny 10, Pedri 8.5 | SL Benfica 0-1 Barcelona: Player ratings | OneFootball

FC Barcelona manage to somehow get a win against SL Benfica away from home in the UEFA Champions League. Despite being a man down following an early red card in the game, La Blaugrana managed to pull through. Fortunately for Barcelona, one key moment settled everything.

Raphinha, just like he did the last time he played in this stadium, managed to win this game with his goal. However, the real heroes for the Catalan giants in this game were their defenders, midfielders, and especially Wojciech Szczesny. With this massive win, Barcelona take a lot of momentum back with them ahead of the second leg.

Here are the player ratings for Hansi Flick’s team after this heroic performance.

Player Ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny: 10

Brilliant first-half from the Polish goalkeeper, who made sure that he kept SL Benfica out no matter what with some top saves and good distribution. In the second half, he kept that same momentum up and brought out some truly exceptional saves and punches to keep Benfica at bay despite the constant pressure. Without him, Barcelona would not have won this game and it just goes on to show the difference a top goalkeeper can make in the Champions League.

Jules Kounde: 7.5

Despite looking a bit sluggish at times, Jules Kounde did his duty well from the start of the game till the very end. The Frenchman helped support Lamine Yamal as much as he could, but continued to help out others even when the youngster was no longer on the pitch.

Pau Cubarsi: 3.0

Atrociously poor decision to make the tackle that led to an early sending off. Should have left the Benfica player take the shot or even get a goal instead of making a late challenge like that. Inexperience managed to show itself.

Inigo Martinez: 8.5

Relentless from start to finish, the Spaniard was a proper thorn in the side for Benfica to deal with. His physicality was there, but so was his passion and intensity to fight for every single ball and contest for everything.

Alejandro Balde: 8.0

Energetic and relentless, the Spanish left-back was simply unstoppable at times. With his brilliant solo runs and his intensity when it came to putting pressure and linking play with his teammates, Balde was simply brilliant.

Frenkie de Jong: 8.0

Alongside Pedri, Frenkie de Jong did well for as long as he was on the pitch to help Barcelona stay in control. Despite being a man down, the Catalan giants were helped by the Dutchman in executing some positive plays and coming into some dangerous positions as well.

Pedri: 8.5

On a day where Barcelona went a man down and looked to be in trouble, Pedri was collected and composed. Yet again, the Spaniard delivered a big performance in which he completed a lot of important passes and won important fouls as well to keep the pressure off his team as much as possible. Simply outstanding both in possession and off the ball as well from start to finish.

Lamine Yamal: 7.5

When it came to the Barcelona forwards, he was the only player who looked like he wanted to hurt Benfica no matter what. His dribbling looked promising and he was always eager to put in the work off the ball as well. Unfortunately, he had to be subbed off to let Ferran Torres come in during the second-half.

Dani Olmo: 6.0

The Spaniard was not given a proper chance to showcase his quality as he was substituted early on to make way for Ronald Araujo.

Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Raphinha: 7.5

Undoubtedly a poor display from a player who was expected to do much better today than he did. At times too sluggish and lethargic, and other times he lacked his typical decisiveness in front of goal. His lacklustre display cost Barça some good opportunities in the first half. In the second half, however, the Brazilian came in clutch with a wonder goal out of nowhere.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

Similar to Raphinha, the Polish striker was undeniably sluggish at times. While he had his moments, he was also repeatedly being overpowered by the Benfica defenders and he also slowed down the team’s momentum at times as well.

Ronald Araujo: 8.0

Came in to provide defensive stability, and he did what he needed to as well as he could. Good performance from the Uruguayan defender.

Ferran Torres: 6.5

Replaced Lamine Yamal and did well to add some much-needed energy to the team.

Marc Casado: 6.0

Came on late to add some defensive cover to the team.

Gerard Martin: 6.0

Came on to provide defensive cover near the end.