Barcelona’s final game at the Spotify Camp Nou this season saw them take on Real Betis on Sunday night, and the clash was tighter than many expected.
Playing for the first time after the defeat to Deportivo Alaves, the newly-crowned champions were eager to show why they are the deserved winners and even got the lead with a free-kick by Raphinha.
The Brazilian then doubled the lead after the break, but Betis returned into the game through a controversial penalty, setting up for an exciting finish. Joao Cancelo’s goal, however, buried the result and ensured Barcelona finished the season with 19 wins at home in La Liga.
Barça Universal bring you three takeaways from Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis.
Joan Garcia: 8.5
The Zamora trophy front-runner returned to the starting lineup after appearing on the bench in the team’s last game and showed his class when tested occasionally against Real Betis.
While Garcia did not have a whole lot to do, he saved one massive attempt by Ez Abde before the half-time break with a stunning high-claim that looked certain to curl in.
Joao Cancelo: 9
Cancelo also returned to the starting lineup after missing the game against Deportivo Alaves and delivered a rather neutral performance at left-back.
At a point where it is uncertain if Barcelona can and will trigger his move permanently, Cancelo showed why he is a superior option to Alejandro Balde with his movement, distribution, and attacking intent.
Shifted to the left wing in the second half and scored a stunning goal to make it 3-1.
Gerard Martin: 7.5
Martin was not challenged much on the night and did not have a whole lot of defending to do as Eric Garcia’s partner at the Spotify Camp Nou.
He made one vital block from point-blank range to deny the visitors but did not have a lot more defending to do. His distribution and decision-making were on point.
Eric Garcia: 8
Garcia, despite being paired right next to Martin, had a busier outing as Real Betis’ occasional attacks all appeared to stem from his side of the field.
In addition to his sensational defensive decision-making, however, what stood out was his passing range and accuracy both in short and long balls, as he looked to progress the play with vertical distribution.
Jules Kounde: 7
Kounde’s night was representative of the campaign the player has largely had this season – inconsistent, unreliable, and good in sparks.
He did not have too much defending to do but was tormented occasionally by Ez Abde. In the attacking sense, however, his output was close to zero as he failed to get forward and add numbers in the final third.
Marc Bernal: 8.5
Bernal enjoyed a strong showing against Los Verdiblancos, staying cool under pressure and dictating the flow of the game with ease.
In the first-half alone, the La Masia star had 46 passes of which he completed a staggering 93%. He was vital with his vertical progression of the ball and even impressed in a defensive sense with good numbers.
Gavi: 8
As always, Gavi’s presence was felt all over the field at the Spotify Camp Nou last night and the player gave it his all as long as he was on the field.
For the first time since his comeback from injury, however, the youngster left the field with a feeling that he could have done more as he was slightly off with his distribution and held himself back in the progression of the ball.
Was much improved after the break, especially after he moved back into the defensive midfield.
Pedri: 8.5
The engine of Barcelona’s possession play, Pedri was the player in garnet-and-blue who had the most of the ball through the 90 minutes and he did not disappoint.
When at his feet, the ball was always in safe territory and the game stayed in Barcelona’s control. He was not as involved in the defensive side on the night and looked to push up and connect with the forwards more often than not.
Fermin Lopez: 6.5
Fermin once again started in attack, on the left flank of Barcelona’s forward line. While his distribution and link-up play were positive, he disappointed where he usually stands out the most – his ball striking.
Lopez had three shots in the first half alone with an xG of 0.27. While two were on target, none really threatened to go in.
Raphinha: 9
A week after Marcus Rashford scored a stunning free-kick for Barcelona in El Clasico, Raphinha stepped up to take a spot-kick from a similar spot last night and earned the same result.
The Brazilian opened Barcelona’s scoring in the first half with a well-struck free-kick and was the team’s lifeline in attack even beyond that moment as he gave his all when on and off the ball.
Scored again in the second half with a great and calm finish to capitalise on a Real Betis error, securing a brace on the night.
Robert Lewandowski: 7
The game last night was all about Robert Lewandowski as the Polish star earned a start in what was his final game ever as a Barcelona player at the Spotify Camp Nou.
He did not have the best of opening halves as he struggled to get on the ball or link up with his teammates, but he always presented a threat in the box and was waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
Left the field to a rousing ovation, in tears, with respect pouring in from the fans and teammates in abundance.
Alejandro Balde: 7
Came on at half-time to play at left-back and did a decent defensive job, although he was unconvincing with his decision-making and distribution at times.
The post Raphinha 9, Cancelo 9 | Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis: Player Ratings appeared first on Barca Universal.
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