Barcelona

Barcelona player ratings vs Valencia: Raphinha gets Ansu Fati & Ferran Torres out of jail as 10 men hang on for vital win

Thomas Hindle
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Raphinha Barcelona 2022-23
The Brazil international headed home the only goal of the game as the Blaugrana hung on after Ronald Araujo's red card

Raphinha's first-half goal was enough for Barcelona to see off Valencia at home and extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 10 points, at least for a few hours.

Barca wasted no time asserting themselves on the game, and Raphinha handed the Blaugrana the lead inside 20 minutes, meeting Sergio Busquets' chip with a deft header.

Ferran Torres should have doubled Barcelona's lead in the second half, but clanged a spot-kick off the post after 54 minutes.

Barca then handed Valencia a further lifeline after Ronald Araujo was sent off for dragging Hugo Duro down as he ran through on goal.

Xavi's side, though, turned in a measured showing for the final 30 minutes, grinding out a 1-0 home win that could go a long way to helping them seal the title.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

    Almost gave up a goal with a lax clearance. Didn't have a save to make.

    Jules Kounde (6/10):

    His poor header doomed Araujo to a straight red card.

    Ronald Araujo (4/10):

    Shown a straight red card for dragging Duro down as he ran through on goal.

    Andreas Christensen (7/10):

    Won his headers, passed well. Crucial in seeing off late pressure.

    Alejandro Balde (7/10):

    Another fantastic performance from the youngster, scampering up and down the left with ease.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Sergi Roberto (7/10):

    Another impressive shift from a reliable player, a few days after penning a new deal.

    Sergio Busquets (7/10):

    Assisted Raphinha's opener with a wonderful chip over the Valencia back line. Tackled well, although looked slightly exposed as Valencia started to push for an equaliser.

    Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

    An agreeable 45 minutes, although some of his decision-making going forward was lacking. Removed at half-time, likely a pre-planned sub.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Ansu Fati (4/10):

    Handed his second Liga start in a row, but miscued a header from seven yards out, which pretty much encapsulates his struggles this year. Hit the post in the second half. Sacrificed after an hour for a centre-back after Araujo was sent off.

    Ferran Torres (6/10):

    Missed a penalty that should have doubled his team's lead.

    Raphinha (8/10):

    Opened the scoring with a well-taken header. Was Barca's most consistent threat otherwise, picking up the slack with Robert Lewandowski out.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Franck Kessie (6/10):

    Won the ball a lot, but wasn't composed enough in possession.

    Marcos Alonso (6/10):

    Centre-back cover for Araujo, not exactly convincing.

    Eric Garcia (6/10):

    Brought on for extra legs as Barca held on.

    Angel Aracon (N/A):

    Only introduced for the final five minutes.

    Xavi (6/10):

    Went with his strongest XI after a tiring Clasico on Thursday. Barca were far from their best, but they picked up an important home win.