Barcelona

Barcelona player ratings: Jordi Alba heroics paper over yet another Robert Lewandowski no-show

Thomas Hindle
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Jordi Alba Barcelona 2022-23
The left-back came off the bench to net an 85th-minute winner for the Blaugrana as they edged ever closer to sealing the Liga title

Jordi Alba grabbed a late goal to salvage an otherwise uninspiring performance from Barcelona, with his bobbled strike meaning Robert Lewandowski's latest no-show will be papered over after the 1-0 win over Osasuna.

Pedri came closest for the Blaugrana in the first half, steering Alejandro Balde's cross wide with half the goal to hit. But Barca were kept otherwise quiet, even after Osasuna lost a man when Jorge Herrando dragged down Pedri as he ran through on goal.

They were equally disappointing after the break. Lewandowski had a series of half-chances, but failed to capitalise on the few pockets of space he was offered by a resolute Osasuna back line. The Pole thought he'd won it late on, but saw his tap in correctly ruled out for offside.

But a winner eventually came, with substitute Alba slicing a shot over the outstretched hand of Aitor Fernandez. It was an awkward strike to cap off a poor showing, with Lewandowski's inconsistency surely of some concern, while Barca's languid play doesn't inspire confidence.

Still, Xavi's league leaders grabbed another three points, and are one game closer to sealing the Liga title for good.

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):

    A spectator for the most part. Two saves helped him add yet another clean sheet to his handsome collections.

    Jules Kounde (6/10):

    Overhit some passes from deep, ineffective in the final third. Will need to work on his crossing if he's a long-term right-back option.

    Ronald Araujo (8/10):

    Headed narrowly over in the first half. Completed 99 percent of his passes, made seven recoveries. Absolutely dominant.

    Andreas Christensen (7/10):

    Kept things simple as he works his way back to full fitness. An agreeable 53 minutes.

    Alejandro Balde (7/10):

    Made some electric runs, but his final ball was lacking. Lots to learn, but he's an immense talent.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Pedri (7/10):

    Got an Osasuna player sent off after a well-timed run. Missed an open goal in the first half. Spent most of the game trying to find a rhythm. Not at his best, but the moments of class are still there.

    Sergio Busquets (6/10):

    Won tackles, passed well from deep, but doesn't offer much creativity in the final third.

    Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

    Some of his distribution was wonderful. Assisted Alba's winner, completed 93 passes, created four chances. Magnificent.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Raphinha (5/10):

    Curled a free-kick narrowly over. Made a few questionable decisions. Dembele was far better off the bench.

    Robert Lewandowski (4/10):

    Missed a few half chances, had a goal ruled out for offside. Well off it at the moment.

    Gavi (6/10):

    Lively until he was removed from proceedings with an apparent muscle injury in the first half.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Ansu Fati (5/10):

    Fired wide on a few occasions, but appears to be regaining some form. A goal would be invaluable in restoring some much-needed confidence.

    Eric Garcia (6/10):

    Passed well, had little to do otherwise.

    Ousmane Dembele (7/10):

    An electric 40 minutes from a player Barca badly missed.

    Jordi Alba (8/10):

    The unlikely hero on the night with a slightly awkward winner.

    Ferran Torres (5/10):

    Didn't offer much other than one shot blasted wide.

    Xavi (6/10):

    Went for his preferred line up, and didn't get much from it. Barcelona were slow on the ball and uninterested off it for long stretches. Was perhaps fortunate to be saved by his bench, but a left-back cannot play hero every week. He will still win the league, but some of these performances have been concerning.