Inigo Martinez 9.5, Pedri 9.0 | Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Player ratings | OneFootball

A close game against Rayo Vallecano ends in a victory for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. With all three points in the bag, the Catalan giants are finally back at the top of the La Liga table. However, it was far from an easy game and Barcelona really had to put up quite the defensive shift.

Ultimately, one goal from Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty was enough to see Barça take the win and return to first place in the Spanish First Division. However, the real heroes for the Catalan giants were their defenders in this game.

Here are the player ratings for the Barcelona players.

Player Ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny: 8.0

Top performance from the Pole, who responded to every challenge that came his way with composure and confidence. Stopped some clear chances for Rayo Vallecano, and kept the team’s morale up.

Hector Fort: 7.0

The Spaniard was solid in terms of the duties he was given, and even played a few good offensive passes as well. Did seem out of position at times when Barcelona needed him to play the offside trap.

Pau Cubarsi: 8.5

Always composed and never in doubt, the young Spaniard was consistently a problem for Rayo Vallecano whenever they tried to press him. Intricate with his passing and always showcased his immense vision, it was a strong performance for the 18-year-old center-back.

Inigo Martinez: 9.5

Won a crucial penalty for Barcelona in the first half and was extremely solid when it came to managing the Rayo Vallecano forwards. Made some heroic blocks and clearances as well that ensured Barça stayed in the lead. Big performance from the Spanish veteran.

Alejandro Balde: 8.0

Electric on the left flank and left the Rayo Vallecano players in the dust at times as well. While his deliveries were not always perfect, he did a lot in terms of carrying the ball forward and creating opportunities for his teammates to exploit.

Frenkie de Jong: 8.5

A complete performance from the Dutch midfielder, it was one in which he always seemed to be in control. His touches were immaculate and so was his decision-making, creating a midfield partnership with Pedri that was simply too difficult for Rayo Vallecano to get through.

Pedri: 9.0

Yet another sensational performance from Pedri, who was everywhere on the pitch. Tracking back to defend again and again, as well as making sure that he was there with his forwards to connect play superbly well, and create some great chances for the rest of the Barcelona players. Simply world-class.

Lamine Yamal: 7.0

Arguably a bit too selfish at times, it would seem like Lamine Yamal is trying to do too many things on his own at times. However, in terms of his individual skill, there can hardly be any criticism in terms of what he managed to pull off with his dribbles and the dangerous positions he managed to reach as well.

Gavi: 6.5

Compared to the other midfielders, some of his touches and passes were rather wayward. Not his best game in terms of producing the play that he wanted to at all times, but definitely made sure to make up for it with his work rate and intense pressing.

Raphinha: 7.0

Always one step ahead of everyone on the field when it comes to intensity and pressure, the Barcelona winger was constantly worrying the Rayo Vallecano backline. His runs were good but his positioning was sluggish at times, and he also could have converted certain chances that came his way.

Robert Lewandowski: 8.0

The Polish striker was more effective today when it came to linking up play with the rest of his teammates. Moreover, his movement around the opposition’s penalty area constantly kept the Rayo Vallecano defenders occupied. Did well to score his penalty as well.

Substitutes:

Jules Kounde: 7.0

The Frenchman came on for Hector Fort and the impact was immediately visible. His connection with Lamine Yamal brought in some life to the right flank, and it was quite needed as well.

Dani Olmo: 7.0

His control was sublime and created some great moments out of nothing as well, Dani Olmo was a proper impactful substitute in this game.

Eric Garcia: 6.5

Great in possession and was solid after coming on for Pau Cubarsi.

Ferran Torres: 6.0

Tried to add some energy but could not get too many opportunities.

Marc Casado: N/A

Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.