Barcelona player ratings v Athletic Club: Yamal 9.0, Cancelo 6.0, Cubarsí 5.0 as Barça preserve LaLiga advantage | OneFootball

Barcelona remain four points clear at the top of LaLiga after Lamine Yamal’s stunning strike guided them to victory against Athletic Club on Saturday.

Their Basque hosts had the better of the chances throughout the first half but were denied the opener when Inaki Williams strayed offside before slotting home, and the blaugrana found the breakthrough thanks to a moment of excellence from 18-year-old Yamal.

Here, FromTheSpot rates each Barça player’s performance at San Mamés.

Barcelona player ratings v Athletic Club

Starting XI

Joan Garcia – 7/10

The goalkeeper was never really tested by Athletic Club, but did what was asked of him and Barcelona have another clean sheet to show for it.

Eric Garcia – 7/10

Solid defensively and was able to organise the Barcelona defence well, even if the hosts did manage to find their way past him a few times.

Pau Cubarsí – 5/10

The youngster has received plaudits in recent weeks for solid performances, but tonight’s discourse will centre around the decision not to show him a straight red card for denying Iñaki Williams a clear goalscoring opportunity. He was lucky to remain on the pitch.

Gerard Martin – 7/10

Much like Eric Garcia, he put in a strong performance defensively and Barcelona kept a clean sheet, thanks in no small part to him.

João Cancelo – 6/10

Had a very shaky start and nearly scored a calamitous own goal inside the very first minute, but grew into the game and created chances from the left flank.

Marc Casadó – 7/10

Impressive in midfield and put in a good shift before being withdrawn in the closing stages as Hansi Flick opted to reinforce the defence to preserve the one-goal advantage.

Marc Bernal – 5/10

Underwhelming in the first half and was understandably withdrawn at the break.

Dani Olmo – 6/10

A performance that was neither here nor there. Had some good chances to break through a stubborn Basque defence and while they never came off, he didn’t give up until he was subbed off with 30 minutes left to play.

Marcus Rashford – 6/10

Lively on the left flank but couldn’t do much when he had the ball.

Ferran Torres – 5/10

Didn’t do much at all before being subbed on the hour mark, although in fairness, he never seemed to have the ball.

Lamine Yamal – 9/10

He’d been quiet for most of the game… but when he can burst into life and whip goals like that into the top corner, who cares? Such an impressive talent, and it’s great to see him enjoying his football again.

Substitutes

Pedri – 7/10

Came on at the interval and made a good impact, registering the assist for Lamine Yamal’s decider.

Robert Lewandowsk – 5/10

Much like Ferran Torres, he didn’t get on the ball much and thus wasn’t able to really threaten Athletic Club’s defence.

Raphinha – 5/10

Another quiet shift from a Barça substitute.

Fermín López – 5/10

Are you seeing the recurring theme here? Nothing to write home about.

Ronald Araújo – 6/10

Did exactly what was asked of him, and played his part as Barça clung on to their one-goal lead until the end.