Ronald Koeman said this Friday at the press conference that, although he only had three healthy centers, he could repeat the system. And he did it. The Dutchman feels safe with the 3-4-1-2 and so it stopped. With Mingueza, Lenglet and Umtiti as defenses; Alba and Dest as lanes; Busquets, Pedri and De Jong in the engine room; Y Messi and Griezmann up front this time Dembélé stayed on the bench, after the scare he had. This was the one by one of Barça in El Sadar.
Ter Stegen. His first part was spectacular. He aborted an attempt from beyond the center of the field and then saved two shots that had a goal mark. Very safe with the ball at the feet. Outstanding.
Mingueza. Rubén García left him only once in the whole game. Ter Stegen saved him. Each party grows. It optimizes its conditions and has a trade to hide the defects. Remarkable.
Lenglet. A smooth day with the French. Firm as a libero and also in the second half with the defense of four players. Stable, only one delivery failed that caused the Umtiti card.
Umtiti. Cautioned in the first half for a badly played ball out, Koeman decided to substitute him and avoid problems.
Dest. Once again, deep but indecisive. He came a lot and fought. He needs to play with the high beam and widen the field of vision, but the team needs things. Especially a lot of presence.
Busquets. A couple of cards were played in the first half, but he survived. He started the play from 0-1. Physically touched, he was substituted. But it brings balance to the team, even on days when he sees him being fatigued.
De Jong. He gave some symptoms of fatigue in the first half, but he went further and then he was very correct as the only midfielder.
Jordi Alba. Fifth goal of the season, matching his best record of the 2012-13 season. Magnificent his use of space-time to take advantage of Messi's balls. He almost scored another in the second half after another connection with Messi.
Pedri. Like De Jong, he was more fatigued than in previous days, but he always gives the team solutions and is very reliable in possession. That manages to give a lot of continuity to the game.
Messi. In addition to doing his usual magic with the pass to Alba at 0-1, he tried it with two shots. One of them was removed by Herrera. He has been able to play the last games very well. Manage the times.
Griezmann. After three consecutive substitutions, Koeman gave him his place in the eleven. In the first minutes he ran and showed desire, although it was in untimely innings like one he did to Roberto Torres. He lacked decision in a couple of actions in the first part. It was replaced.
In the second part they came out:
Dembélé. With his usual ups and downs, he gives the team meters in transitions. And it is a threat. He sent a shot into the clouds and crashed another in defense.
Ilaix. A spectacular new appearance. Physique, criteria and a great goal.
Junior. Minutes of rest for Alba. Maybe it deserves some more.
Riqui. Oxygen for Pedri. He came out with courage despite the fact that he was going to play little and was in contact with the ball.
Braithwaite. He knows his role and is doing his best for the team. The other day was the saving goal against Sevilla; this saturday i work.