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Barcelona and Atletico Madrid locked horns in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal last night and the game lived up to its billing.
Inflicted a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, the Catalans were put to the task of making a comeback on the night and began brilliantly, scoring twice in the opening half hour to make the comeback.
Atletico Madrid, however, scored one to take the lead on aggregate again and denied Barcelona another easy equaliser. The second half saw the Catalans take the initiative again, but Barcelona were again reduced to ten men and saw themselves knocked out.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona.
Joan Garcia: 7
The goalkeeper did not make any saves in the opening period and did not have much he could have done for the goal that Atletico Madrid scored past him via Ademola Lookman.
Did well with his distribution and sweeping to help the team build up more speed and purpose. Made a massive save late in the game.
Joao Cancelo: 6.5
Cancelo was undoubtedly one of the first names on the team sheet given his attacking ability on the left flank, but the first half was far from as offensively vibrant as he would have liked.
Defensively, he was understandably vulnerable and Atletico Madrid’s goal in the first half did stem from a run on his flank.
Gerard Martin: 6.5
Martin defended with purpose and did not allow Atletico Madrid to get past him with ease at any point. His work-rate off the ball was phenomenal and he was crucial for the team’s build-up and distribution.
Eric Garcia: 4
A fatal error from Garcia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Eric replaced Pau Cubarsi at centre-back on the night and stitched up a good partnership with Gerard Martin. His comfort on the ball was hugely important given Atletico Madrid’s pressing structure.
Was sent off for an unnecessary challenge and killed off any chances for the team.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
Kounde was offensively decent and combined with Lamine Yamal at times, but he was defensively vulnerable just like Cancelo. Should have done better to deny Lookman the ball for Atleti’s first goal.
Gavi: 7
Gavi starting the all-important UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash last night was not on the radars of many fans, but Hansi Flick saw him as the best option to partner Pedri ahead of both Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado.
The youngster put in a monstrous shift off the ball, was hugely important for the press and ensured fluid build-up through the middle.
Pedri: 7
Pedri looked off colour. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Pedri was decent last night, albeit far from as fluid and responsibility-taking as one would usually expect from him.
He did well in possession to circulate the ball, and out of possession to win it back. Yet, there was a sense that he was slower and less smooth compared to normal.
Dani Olmo: 8
Olmo’s mastery of tight spaces was one of Barcelona’s biggest weapons last night and he helped the team keep the intensity high in the opening period to ensure Barcelona got back on level terms.
Assisted Ferran Torres’ goal in the first half with a lovely through ball that set the Spaniard free in the box.
Fermin Lopez: 7.5
Fermin’s work rate was crucial against Los Rojiblancos last night as the player started on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford. He promptly won possession, stretched the defence and created gaps in the box that his teammates could capitalise on.
Lamine Yamal: 9
Taking responsibility after all that he said ahead of the game, Yamal kept his word to give his very best on the field.
He opened the scoring on the night in just the fourth minute, and operated as Barcelona’s creator in chief throughout the proceedings down the right-flank.
Ferran Torres: 9
One of Barcelona’s bright spots. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Torres made a statement at the weekend against Espanyol and kept the steam going last night as he earned an early assist for Yamal’s opener and then went on to score the team’s second goal in the half as well.
His movements between the defenders left Atletico Madrid struggling time and time again, and it is clear that Flick got his selection spot-on.
