Ter Stegen. Eric said at the end of the game that the goalkeeper had been responsible for 70% of the team’s victory. Perhaps it even fell short. Seeing the huge hand that he draws after a very hard shot from Jaume Costa at close range, one wonders if he is a human being or an android. Marc André today has won the three points and thanks to him, Barça sleeps just one point away from the Champions League. The goalkeepers of the big teams have the ‘handicap’ that they have few occasions, but the ones that come to them are very dangerous. This one was of utmost complexity and he saved it with impressive efficiency. Ter Stegen is already Ter Stegen again.
Mingueza. He played a more than correct game as a right back. He always tried to offer himself and split with Ilias, with enough success on more than one occasion. In fact, Luuk’s headed goal came from a center of his. Shortly before, the same protagonists were about to sign the goal of the day, with a precise cross from Oscar and a spectacular scissor shot from the Dutchman that crashed powerfully off the crossbar. Unfortunately, he ended the game injured and had to retire early.
Pique. Superlative the party of the Catalan central, who was captain on this occasion. Absolute leader in defense, always ready to get the ball out neatly and brilliantly in anticipation as powerful in the passing game. Flawless in every way.
Eric. Good game, although not without fuss either. Correct at all levels, although it was excessively soft in some specific action. In his strong point, the exit of the ball, he did not have his best day either.
Araújo. Another match to frame the Uruguayan. This time, playing as a left back. It is clear that there is no position that resists him in defense. He topped the record with a high A. Forceful, fast, attentive and even vertical at times. With players like this, Xavi has a potosí.
Frenkie. He had to be the leader and reference of the team, playing in the position of Busquets, as a defensive pivot, and he did it in part. In fact, he started very well, with personality and always giving solutions and alternatives to the ball out, but little by little, and as Mallorca pushed more, his game faded. In any case, it begins to show green shoots.
Riqui Puig. The youth squad had a leading role in the midfield, coming out of the stake quite gracefully. He made some unforced error, but overall he was at a great level. His sacrifice and dedication in the field was commendable.
Nico. Superb until his legs held him. He got fed up with recovering balls and giving continuity to the game. Seeing a 19 year old boy playing at this level is simply a feast for the eyes. He has the personality to stop a train. Too bad he had to withdraw from the field early due to muscular problems.
Ilias. He fell down the right wing, being very active and dynamic. He tried the shot on goal several times, with little success. He does not have the imbalance of Abde, but he never loses face to the game.
Luke. His best game as a Blaugrana. Perhaps he is already a little late because his future at Barcelona is already sentenced. A goal and two posts to finish off a spectacular task. The goal, a specialty of the house, headed, after a great center from Mingueza. He was about to score the goal of the year, and that has started, with an impressive scissor shot, which crashed off the crossbar. The other post was a ‘killer’ action, putting his leg just enough to deflect the ball, after a pass between the lines of Jutglà.
Jutglà. He played in a position that is strange to him, such as the left winger, fulfilling a commendable dignity. Always offering himself, putting on the overalls without the ball, looking for the goal and giving solutions to the attack game. This kid understands everything and makes easy what is very difficult.
Changes
Alvaro. He debuted with a remarkable performance, showing personality and strength in his game.
Lenglet. He was placed on the left wing as a lane and he did it with great solvency. In fact, he even tried to climb the band on occasion.
Tin. Another debut at Barça. He played right winger and got fed up with pressing up.