Lewandowski 8, Balde 5.5 | Valencia 3-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona’s final game of the 2025-26 season came last night against Valencia at Mestalla, and the reigning champions were on a mission to end the season on a high.

Clearly, however, the hosts had more to play for as they had to win to have any chance to make it to the UEFA Conference League. For the Catalans, however, it was merely a question of pride and finishing the season strong.

The first half was goalless with both sides having equal chances and playing on a level field. Matters, however, changed in the second-half especially after Barcelona made defensive changes.

After the break, Robert Lewandowski scored to give Barcelona the lead, but Valencia fired two quick-fire goals to overturn that advantage and take the lead themselves. From there, Barcelona never really looked like coming back and even conceded a late third goal.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Valencia 3-1 Barcelona.

Wojciech Szczesny: 7

The veteran started in goal ahead of Joan Garcia who was likely rested to preserve his Zamora trophy.

Despite his sparse playing minutes all season, the Polish star looked sharp with his reflexes and even his runs out of the box on the night.

Eric Garcia: 8

Garcia dropped a strong performance at right-back, covering defensively with solid interceptions and providing offensive cover and width going forward in attack.

His distribution was on point, and the player was ever-so-reliable in possession, even shifting to a more central role at times in the game based on the situation. The game completely changed after he was taken off.

Ronald Araujo: 9

The Uruguayan star was phenomenal in defence against Valencia – alert, active, and quick to respond to any movement by the hosts.

In the first-half alone, Araujo had eight defensive contributions including two last-man tackles, and maintained a solid 98% pass accuracy. Was taken off at half-time, possibly given the upcoming World Cup.

Gerard Martin: 6.5

Martin took a big blow to his face towards the end of the first-half but did not allow it to hamper his performance in any sense. He was solid up until that point, and continued to play with the same zeal and reliability even after the break.

Began to show some signs of weakness after the hour mark, especially after the arrival of Andreas Christensen, and did not appear to be in comfortable positions to defend either Valencia goals.

Alejandro Balde: 5.5

Balde started ahead of Joao Cancelo. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Balde had one of the team’s biggest chances in the first-half but was unlucky to see his shot hit the side netting. Beyond that, he was inspiring in attack and did not have much defensive cover to provide.

Balde linked up well with Rashford and Ferran, even one-twoing his way into the box on a couple of occasions. His defensive performance in the second-half, however, was a howler.

Marc Bernal: 6

While Bernal did not make any particular mistakes against Valencia, he was still silent compared to his usual level on the night.

Was reliable as a first line of defence and a useful asset in the buildup phase but did not connect much with players in the final third. Made a rash tackle in the second-half that led to a penalty claim but was ruled to be a free-kick later.

Gavi: 7.5

The youngster once again made aa start for Barcelona in the team’s final game of the season – possibly as a last-gasp push towards making the World Cup squad.

Gavi was tough at Mestalla, helping Barcelona hold the fortress and playing much deeper than usual. His presence brought stability to Barcelona’s attacking and build-up phases.

Dani Olmo: 6.5

Olmo was lively in the box and tormented Valencia at times with his movement between the defenders. However, he still did not get into any promising goalscoring positions directly and played only the role of a second-fiddle.

Marcus Rashford: 6

Was it Rashford’s last Barcelona appearance? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The Englishman constantly looked to cut into the inside and take a shot on goal, only for him to lose possession time and time again.

Rashford’s presence was crucial for Barcelona to produce transitional threats and to add pace to the attack. Yet, his lack of complete control of the ball was often a let-down.

Ferran Torres: 7.5

The Shark was on an objective to score and seal the Zarra trophy for himself on the night, and did get into some good goalscoring positions. 

However, he could not capitalise on most of them and failed to hit the target, although the team’s eventual opener did come off his initial volley on goal.

In terms of distribution, Torres was solid and even contributed well to the team’s press when out of possession.

Robert Lewandowski: 8

Lewandowski scored his last-ever Barcelona goal. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The veteran striker started his last-ever game in a Barcelona shirt and was looking for the goal to sign off a special chapter in his career. He came close with a header in the first-half but was unfortunate to hit the crossbar.

Ultimately, he smartly deflected Ferran’s volley into the back of the goal to score his last-ever Barcelona goal in what was a special moment on the night.

Beyond that, Lewandowski was lively and looking to run and give his all in his final Barcelona game, even racking up relatively more touches than usual.

Xavi Espart: 7

Came on to take over duties at right-back in the second-half and produced the misplaced pass that led to Valencia’s equaliser. Was decent with his distribution and slightly nervous with his distribution.