Barcelona Player Ratings vs Alaves: Lamine Yamal Is Electric!
Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday was a hard-fought victory that saw Robert Lewandowski’s second-half goal close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Though not Barcelona’s most polished performance, the three points were vital, keeping them in the hunt for the league title.
Lamine Yamal was once again the standout player, providing moments of magic, while Robert Lewandowski did what he does best – scoring crucial goals when his team needed them most. Let’s take a closer look at how each player performed in this tense encounter, with a special focus on the young prodigy Yamal.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny – 7/10 Szczesny was handed the nod over Inaki Pena, and while he didn't have much to do throughout the match, he was composed and reliable when called into action. Alaves were not particularly threatening in terms of shots on target, but the Polish goalkeeper was solid when required. His calmness under pressure ensured that Barcelona’s defence remained confident, particularly in the absence of his usual backup.
Jules Koundé – 6/10 The French defender didn’t have his best game and struggled to find the rhythm with his teammates at times. Koundé was often caught in possession and wasn’t as fluid going forward as usual. There were moments where his passes lacked precision, which disrupted Barcelona’s attacking fluidity. Nonetheless, he put in a generally professional performance, even though it wasn’t up to his usual high standards.
Ronald Araujo – 5/10 Araujo’s performance was somewhat disappointing. He was given a yellow card early in the match after a rash challenge and never really found his rhythm. The Uruguayan centre-back lacked his usual commanding presence at the back, and some uncharacteristic mistakes from him did not inspire confidence. He was substituted at halftime for tactical reasons, which was likely a reflection of his lack of impact in the first half.
Pau Cubarsi – 8/10 Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s young defender, once again showcased maturity beyond his years. Defensively, he was solid, making crucial clearances and blocking attempts on goal. His positional awareness was excellent, and he was one of the standout performers in the backline, helping to stabilize things after Araujo’s departure. Cubarsi has firmly established himself as a reliable option for Barcelona and continues to impress with each passing match.
Alejandro Balde – 7/10 Balde was his usual energetic self, bombing up the left wing to offer an attacking outlet. His pace was a constant threat to Alaves, and he provided good support in both defence and attack. Defensively, he did not put a foot wrong, and his ability to quickly transition from defence to attack was vital in helping Barcelona maintain their attacking pressure.
Midfield
Gavi – N/A Gavi’s game was cut short due to injury, as he was forced off after a clash of heads with Alaves’ Conechny. Prior to his injury, Gavi had been involved in the thick of things, but his early exit left Barcelona scrambling to find their rhythm. His contribution was limited, but his tenacity was evident before he was forced to leave the field.
Marc Casado – 5/10 Marc Casado was handed a starting role in midfield but struggled to assert himself in the match. Alaves’ midfield outshone him for much of the first half, as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Casado’s passing lacked the sharpness and vision that is expected at this level, and he was withdrawn at the break as Barcelona sought a more dynamic presence in the middle of the park.
Pedri – 7/10 Pedri was the creative spark in midfield when Barcelona’s attack began to stagnate. He constantly looked to drive the team forward, linking up well with his attacking teammates. Despite the lack of rhythm in the first half, Pedri kept things ticking over, displaying his usual elegance on the ball. His dribbling and vision were key to Barcelona’s build-up play, and he was one of the more consistent performers on the field.
Attack
Lamine Yamal – 8/10 At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal continues to defy expectations. His dribbling was simply electric, with moments of pure brilliance that left Alaves’ defenders scrambling. He looked to take on players at every opportunity, and his dazzling runs were a constant source of concern for Alaves. Yamal’s confidence only grew as the game went on, and it was his deflected cross that led to Lewandowski’s winning goal. His performance was reminiscent of a young Lionel Messi – full of flair and fearlessness. Barcelona fans can look forward to many more seasons of watching this teenage superstar.
Robert Lewandowski – 7/10 Lewandowski was quiet for much of the first half, with Alaves’ defence keeping him under wraps. However, as always, the Polish striker was in the right place at the right time. When a deflected cross from Yamal landed at his feet in the 61st minute, Lewandowski showed his poacher’s instinct, volleying the ball into the net to give Barcelona the lead. It wasn’t a particularly outstanding performance from the striker, but his ability to find the back of the net when it matters most was crucial to securing the three points.
Raphinha – 6/10 Raphinha was largely subdued in this match, particularly in the first half when he failed to impose himself on the game. He had a few moments of magic but struggled to consistently break down the Alaves defence. His technical ability was evident, but the Brazilian winger was not as influential as he usually is. Raphinha will need to be more consistent if Barcelona are to mount a serious title challenge.
Subs & Manager
Fermin Lopez – 7/10 Fermin Lopez came on early in the first half after Gavi’s injury, and he didn’t disappoint. He added energy and creativity to Barcelona’s midfield and was one of the bright spots in an otherwise difficult first half. Lopez’s movement and vision helped Barcelona regain control of the game, and his performance continues to show that he is ready for more first-team opportunities.
Frenkie de Jong – 7/10 De Jong was another player who came on and made a positive impact. Played slightly further up the pitch than usual, De Jong added a creative spark and was involved in a number of important attacks. His ability to pick out incisive passes and his technical ability were key to Barcelona's improvement after the break.
Eric Garcia – 7/10 Eric Garcia came on for the second half and played an important role in stabilising Barcelona’s defence. His tactical awareness helped snuff out Alaves’ occasional attacking threats, and his calmness on the ball was vital as Barcelona sought to maintain their slender lead.
Ferran Torres – 6/10 Torres was introduced in the second half and looked to add some attacking thrust to Barcelona’s play. He showed plenty of desire but lacked the sharpness required to make a significant impact on the match. His performance was solid, but nothing spectacular.
Gerard Martin – N/A Gerard Martin had too little time to make an impact, coming on late in the game with the match already settled.
Pau Victor – N/A Pau Victor was introduced in the final moments of the match and had little opportunity to influence proceedings.
Hansi Flick – 7/10
Hansi Flick’s decision to make early changes in the second half paid off, as Barcelona came out with renewed energy after the break. His substitutions gave the team a much-needed boost, particularly with the introductions of Lopez and de Jong, who added creativity and control in midfield. Flick will be pleased with the result, even if the performance was not entirely convincing. He’ll be hoping that Barcelona can find more consistency as the season progresses.
Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Alaves was far from their best performance, but the three points were vital in their bid to stay within touching distance of La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal’s dazzling performance was the highlight, and Robert Lewandowski showed his value with a typical poacher’s goal. Despite the injury to Gavi, the team found a way to grind out a win, and the return to form of some key players will be crucial in the upcoming fixtures. Barcelona may not have been at their best, but they showed enough resilience to secure the victory when it mattered most.
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