Barça pass and fail: Aubameyang is Xavi’s ‘genius’

Ter Stegen: Superb. And not only with the ball at his feet, where he always gave the precise and correct pass, but also with two very meritorious interventions, especially one to a very tight shot by Valverde. He had a riff raffle with Vinicius after trying a pool shot to cause a penalty.

Araújo: He played as a right back to stop Vinicius, fully complying. The Uruguayan centre-back not only played an important role in defence, but was also vital in attack, scoring a great headed goal, beating a bewildered Alaba, from a Dembélé corner kick. He was seen so grown up and left over, that he allowed himself the luxury of going up the band of several shares. He was not out of tune when it came to raising the ball.

Pique: Another game to frame the Catalan central defender, and that’s it… He did everything judiciously and with an exquisite tactical sense. He did not lose any ball, trying to open the field with some long runs. A leader from head to toe. It was not noticed that he was physically impaired.

Eric: Perfect. A match of 10. And not only in defense but in his actions with the ball, where he always found the most unmarked teammate, offering solutions and resources of the type in the ball exit from behind.

Alba: Another old rocker who never fails. Since Xavi’s arrival he has not only gained confidence, but has redoubled his dynamism and momentum. Rodrigo barely appeared on the field before the side’s effectiveness.

Sergio Busquets: He is the best defensive pivot in the world. Casemiro would do well to review this match to check the meaning of the total game in all senses. To occupy this position, the most important muscle is needed, the brain, and here Badia’s is more than enough. Tactics lesson from minute 1 to 90.

Frenkie: Another one who has taken a step forward. The Dutchman played a very complete game, providing intelligence and intensity in the midfield, and supporting the team in the offensive game. In fact, the third goal started after a huge move from him, including a pass to Aubameyang.

Pedri: He is the greatest talent in Spanish football and almost in the world. Whoever doubts this is because they are blinded by their colors because objectively there is no player with more class on the world scene. Not only because of his consistency in the game but because of the hints of genius that he exhibits in every game. Spectacular measure of Vaseline from him to Ferran Torres, which he was close to taking advantage of.

Dembele: It went from more to memos. He signed two assists, one after a great personal play with a measured cross to Aubameyang, and another after a corner kick that put Araújo’s head with pinpoint precision. He was very sacrificed in defensive work to avoid Vinicius’s incursions. So much work ended up weighing him down, being replaced by Adama.

Aubameyang: Mikel Arteta must surely be hitting himself on the head because it is not normal to practically ‘give away’ a player who has scored goals per game since he has been at Barcelona. At the Bernabéu he not only scored a brace, with an extraordinary headed goal and a tight and measured shot to beat Courtois, but he also gave a huge assist to Ferran Torres with a backheel included.

Ferran: If he had gone out with the ball at the Bernabéu after scoring a hat trick, no one would have been surprised. He scored a huge goal, but had two chances alone against the goalkeeper, missing just barely. He is a stratospheric signing, whether he scores or not.

Changes

Memphis: He left through Aubameyang with twenty minutes to go. He was close to scoring, but his shot was repelled by Courtois with difficulty.

Gavi: He came out with the same intensity as always and strangely he didn’t see a yellow card this time. He drew an incredible slalom, with two supersonic dribbles, which Lucas Vázquez stopped with a foul.

Adam: He entered for a worn out Dembélé. He did not have much prominence in attack, although in defense he collaborated with success.

Nico: He entered to give air and muscle to the midfield.

Alves: The Brazilian was located on the left wing. He hardly had a presence having few minutes.