Ter Stegen: Stellar. Not only did he save one of the three penalties that were thrown at him, but he also completed a spectacular match, with many worthwhile interventions, some like Morales’ point-blank shot, in an incredible slalom, of extraordinary merit, putting just his hand to prevent the ball from ending up in the back of the net, helped at the end by Eric. If Barcelona takes the three points from the Ciutat de Valencia it is largely thanks to the German goalkeeper.
Alves: Fatal. His worst game as a Blaugrana. From the first moment he showed that it was not going to be his game, with a huge mistake in the pass, leaving Morales a free ball. All his actions were a real nonsense, both in attack and, let alone, in defense. Slow, imprecise and also playing half lame after a bad fall. To make matters worse, he put his hand to protect himself inside the area and the referee ended up whistling against him. Playing games like this, the decision to rule him out for the Europa League makes more sense than ever. The club will have to do a deep reflection if it is convenient to keep a player who will be 39 years old, no matter how much pineapple he does.
Araújo: Superb in every way. Strong, forceful and without making enemies in his zone of influence. He had to deal with all the mistakes and mismatches that Alves made. Impeccable in the aerial game, he ended up seeing a yellow card for protesting, which will prevent him from playing against Cádiz on the next day.
Eric: The ex of the City begins to be a guarantee in all the senses. Not only because of his ability to get the ball up but now also because of his defensive resources. He was providential taking out a ball on the same goal line. He was then penalized with a penalty for accidentally touching the ball with his hands. In any case, we are facing a player with an impressive projection.
Alba: The winger had a lot of problems in his lane, both in defense and attack. In any case, it should be noted that he never gave up in his attempt, giving Luuk a final assist so that he headed in the winning goal ‘in extremis’.
Sergio Busquets: He tried to put a bit of order and criteria, but in the first part, without Pedri at his side, he had a lot of problems to prevail in the game. After the break, and with the entrance of the canary, he opened the gates of heaven.
Nico: He did not play a bad game, but it is clear that he is beginning to show signs of great irregularity and fragility in his game. Not very participatory and without providing solutions, his game faded alarmingly. It was the first change.
Frenkie: The Dutchman provided solutions when it came to raising the ball and trying to break lines, but going on many occasions to wage war on his own. He tried to see the door twice, but the ball went far from the rival goal.
Dembele: In the first part he was the most unbalanced player in Barcelona, although without finishing reaching the rival goal with danger. After the break, his contribution was key, especially after serving a great assist to Aubameyang so that he tied it at one. The chemistry of these two players is spectacular, sometimes it seems that they play with their eyes closed.
Aubameyang: I wasn’t playing a great game, with little attacking distance and without finding spaces inside the area. But in the end, the Gabonese managed to make a hole, after a great cross from Dembélé, finishing off with a header to the back of the net. This goal came a few minutes after Levante missed a penalty and ended up spurring the team to victory.
Ferran: The ex-City player continues to amply demonstrate why Barcelona ended up paying 55 million for him this winter. It is true that he did not score, but he is always a solution in attack. He had three great chances, one with a header, but Cárdenas was very confident under the sticks.
Changes
Pedri: We are facing a superlative player. Of those who are born one every fifty years. His entry into the field turned the game upside down. Dynamic, protagonist, clear-sighted and effective, he scored a great goal after a great game by Gavi. The canary is on another level, he is one of those chosen ones who are on their way to winning the Ballon d’Or in the short term. And, yes, as Xavi says, there isn’t a more talented player at his age and we can almost say at all ages.
Gavi: It’s another unstoppable talent. And also the Sevillano with 17 springs. His entry on the field, coinciding with Pedri, revolutionized the game. He brought intensity, momentum, presence and well-understood aggressiveness. He drew an impressive play, leaving two rivals in the area, and assisting Pedri to finish on goal.
Lenglet: He came out in the 80th minute to reorganize the defense after Alves’ disastrous game, with Araújo on the right and the Frenchman on the left. He committed a clear penalty by stepping on the rival.
Adam: He did not touch a ball. inconsequential.
Luke: He is on his way to being the new Blaugrana Larsson. A player who begins to have the label of being the savior of the team in times of trouble. His extraordinary headed goal in stoppage time could end up giving Barcelona a league title, or at least add more emotion to it.