Barcelona picked up an impressive 4-0 win over Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski on song.
Barcelona were determined to pick up all three points at Camp Nou, especially after the draw against Rayo Vallecano in the opening game of the season. The home side looked in cruise control right from the beginning, and they managed to carve out chances time and again.
Robert Lewandowski continued his impressive form in front of goal, and the Polish striker scored an important brace for his side. The 34-year-old could have easily bagged his first hat-trick for his new club. He had managed to score a brace against Real Sociedad as well.
Sergi Roberto and Pedri scored the other two goals. Meanwhile, defender Jules Kounde was handed his Barcelona debut against Real Valladolid, and the Frenchman did not disappoint. Although he was used as a full-back, the former Sevilla defender impressed with his reliability at the back and effectiveness going forward.
Barcelona are now third on the table, with seven points from three outings, and they will be determined to close the gap to rivals Real Madrid in the coming weeks. The Catalan giants failed to challenge for the league title last season, and they will be desperate to make amends this time around.
On the other hand, Real Valladolid have dropped into the relegation zone after failing to win any of their first three La Liga matches. The visitors have now lost two league games out of three, and they will have to improve immensely in order to climb up the table.
real Valladolid were the underdogs heading into this contest, and they were thoroughly outplayed by a professional Barcelona performance. Here at The Hard Tackle, we run the rule over Xavi Hernandez’s men after Barcelona’s big win over Real Valladolid.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7/10
– 3 matches
– 2 clean sheets
– 2.12 xG conceded
– 1 goal conceded pic.twitter.com/M7LrM4EDVi— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 29, 2022
The German international was barely tested throughout the game but he came up trumps when Barcelona needed him midway through the second half. ter Stegen produced two impressive saves to deny Real Valladolid and keep a clean sheet on the night.
Jules Kounde: 7.5/10
The Frenchman had a solid but unspectacular debut for Barcelona. He was reliable at the back and kept things neat and tidy in possession going forward. Furthermore, Kounde chipped in with an impressive goal-line clearance to help keep a clean sheet for his side.
Ronald Araujo: 7/10
Araujo continued his impressive form at the back for Barcelona, and he managed to win the ball back from the opposition time and again with his aggressive defending.
Eric Garcia: 7/10
Eric Garcia produced another impressive defensive display at the back for Barcelona. The young defender continues to grow in stature, and his ability to pick out teammates from the back and create chances remains an asset for Barcelona.
Alejandro Balde: 6/10
Balde was hardly spectacular for the home side. The youngster did what was required of him at the back, but he barely managed to make an impact going forward.
Pedri: 8/10
Pedri on TW: "This one is for you, father!" pic.twitter.com/ca0VIVSX4r
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 28, 2022
Pedri was arguably the pick of the midfielders for Barcelona on the night, and he created numerous chances for his teammates with his impressive link-up play and dribbling ability. The midfielder will be disappointed to have not scored more goals himself.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
A typical Sergio Busquets performance from the experienced midfielder. The Barcelona captain was solid yet unspectacular and did well to regain possession and recycle the ball for his teammates.
Gavi: 6.5/10
Gavi did well to support Pedri and Busquets throughout the game, and although he was not at his best, he managed to put on a tidy performance for the home side.
Ousmane Dembele: 8/10
The Frenchman impressed with his passing in the final third and his trickery. Dembele was hard to contain and he created numerous goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. He ended up supplying the assists to Pedri and Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski: 9/10
BACKHEEL GOAL LEWANDOWSKI WOW ? pic.twitter.com/YVFXFfoi8F
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 28, 2022
Robert Lewandowski has now scored consecutive braces for Barcelona, but he will be disappointed to have missed out on a hat-trick. He showed impressive awareness and poacher’s instinct to score his goals on the night, but he will feel that he could have added another.
Raphinha: 9/10
The former Leeds United man was arguably the pick of the attackers on the night. And Raphinha carved open the Real Valladolid defence with his flair and pace. He managed to pick up two assists in the end.
Raphinha vs Valladolid: 1 assist, 6 chances created.
Dembélé vs Valladolid: 2 assists, 4 chances created. pic.twitter.com/v3PvvT6d7i
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 28, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Sergi Roberto: 6.5/10
Roberto barely had anything to do during his cameo, but he was positionally intelligent and chipped in with some important tackles and clearances. He also scored a late goal.
Frenkie de Jong: 6.5/10
Frenkie de Jong did not have a lot of time to influence the game, but his dedication and commitment shone through. The Dutch international worked hard during his time on the pitch.
Franck Kessie: N/A
Kessie came on too late to make any meaningful contribution.
Ansu Fati: N/A
Ansu Fati is still working his way towards full fitness, and the youngster did not have a major impact.
Ferran Torres: N/A
The game was all but wrapped up by the time Torres came on, and the Spanish international barely had anything to do.
