Barcelona’s return to action after the international break was as eventful as it was smooth, as they cruised to a win over Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou.
While many expected the clash to be a grueling and cagey affair, Anthony Gordon opened the floodgates in just the opening minutes and made matters easier for the hosts.
Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead before half-time, and a Jules Kounde goal after the break made it 3-0 and buried the win for the Catalans.
The win keeps Barcelona on a perfect winning streak across all competitions this season and also sees them start the second phase of the season with the same momentum that they left off.
Barca Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 3-0 Getafe.
Joan Garcia: 7.5
The goalkeeper was relatively untested on the night that he made his return from injury and did well with the ball at his feet. Not much more could the manager ask of him on a night where Barcelona did not face many defensive issues.
Xavi Espart: 8
The La Masia graduate continued to be a part of Hansi Flick’s starting dynamics and impressed with his defensive resilience, ball progression and combination ability in the final third.
He looked comfortable linking up with Anthony Gordon and had no trouble overlapping either centrally or out wide, showcasing a great understanding of positioning and game control.
Gerard Martin: 7.5
Martin was solid at the back and did not have a whole lot of defensive workload. Instead, he looked to join the party and attempt long balls into the final third – something that did not yield the end-product for the most part.
Alongside Garcia, he looked to be in control and showed how he can be a leader at the back.
Eric Garcia: 8.5
Moving to centre-back, Garcia took the responsibility of leading the team’s defence and did a phenomenal job at tracking back and ensuring the game was under control.
He was challenged in terms of pace on occasion, but his positioning, the timing of his tackles, and even his reading of the game were all phenomenal. A great performance with the captain’s armband.
Jules Kounde: 8.5
The Frenchman looked far more reassuring than he has in recent times and did not disconnect from the game at any point.
He was committed defensively and even looked to get into attacking positions as he was often the man left to provide width on the right. All in all, a much improved performance from a player under pressure which the manager will appreciate.
Got on the end of Yamal’s cross in the second half for a simple finish, albeit he did time his run to perfection to ensure it counted.
Rodri: 9
The midfield mainstay started sans Pedri and was the man in charge of ensuring the game stayed within Barcelona’s control.
Needless to say, he delivered exactly what was required of him as he took control of the game, cut off counters at the very root, and ensured the team kept possession for vast parts of the game.
His reading of the game and positioning made spaces open up and attacking chances arrive regularly.
Gavi: 8
Handed a starting spot after long, Gavi showed that he is past his injury woes and pressed like a machine. His control on the ball and in combination play were appreciable, and he brought a fresh profile to the midfield, showing no signs of rustiness.
Dani Olmo: 8
Olmo’s presence in between the lines was crucial in breaking down Getafe’s defense time and time again on Saturday night as the player found the right touches to set his teammates free in the final third.
His defensive output was on the lower side, but he brought a sense of verticality to the game which ensured that Barcelona always kept the pressure on the visitors.
Anthony Gordon: 9
Coming back from a stellar international break, Gordon kept his form going as he netted his first Barcelona goal just in the opening minutes of the game against Getafe.
It was not the cleanest of strikes, but the player’s strike from distance showed his improved confidence, and it paid off for him. Beyond that, he was a lethal presence on the left-flank, constantly breaking free with pace and opening up the visitors’ backline.
Gabriel Jesus: 8.5
With Raphinha unavailable, Gabriel Jesus was handed the starting spot,t and he did well, not only in an attacking sense but also in terms of putting up pressure in the first line.
He got his goal midway through the first half with a well-worked finish from a ball he won back. His ability to navigate through the tight spaces and find the finish, needless to say, was impeccable.
Lamine Yamal: 8
Yamal had a great, yet frustrating night as he pulled off great moments and passes but simply did not get into the right positions. Surprisingly, he played a great part of the game in a central role, almost alongside Jesus, but ensured he moved back out wide when needed.
He did not come close to scoring directly but was instrumental in the team’s buildup play and grew into the game as it progressed. Earned the assist for Kounde’s goal in the second half, but looked tired for a big part of the game.
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