Barcelona chance ruined by injuries

Barcelona failed to impress again as they lost two key midfielders to injuries. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri had to leave the game before half-time, adding to Barça’s woes. Xavi’s team had more possession, but could not create any clear chances.

Barcelona wasted a golden opportunity to close the gap on the top of La Liga on a night where they suffered two key midfield injuries.

Barcelona could have made a statement in the title race after Real Madrid and Girona dropped points over the weekend, but they failed to do so as they drew 0-0 with Athletic Club in Bilbao. The Catalans saw their chances fade away as they lost Frenkie de Jong and Pedri to injuries in the first half.

Barca did not improve much in the second half, as they dominated the ball but created nothing. Lamine Yamal, who usually dazzles on the right flank, was ineffective and only had a weak penalty appeal to his name.

Xavi saw his team fail to create anything meaningful. Barca had a chance to get closer to the top of the table, but they disappointed again, which has been a common theme of their season so far.

Barcelona players rated by GOAL after playing at San Mames.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10)

Only had to make two stops, and did them well. Had a quiet night otherwise.

Jules Kounde (6/10)

Did well in his individual duels, and kept Inaki Williams in check. Could have been more adventurous going forward.

Pau Cubarsi (7/10)

Another solid performance from the young defender. He was aggressive in his challenges, but also showed some amazing passes.

Ronald Araujo (6/10)

Cleared a dangerous ball in the first half to deny Williams. He has built a reliable partnership with Cubarsi.

Joao Cancelo (4/10)

Tried a spectacular lob in the first half that almost put Barca ahead. He was poor in other aspects, and needed to be more precise in the final third.

Midfield

Andreas Christensen (6/10)

Neat and tidy in the middle of the park, but not very adventurous with his passes.

Frenkie de Jong (5/10)

Started well before suffering an ankle injury. It looked like a bad one.

Ilkay Gundogan (6/10)

Filled in different roles. Began as an attacking midfielder but had to move back because of injuries, and worked hard wherever he played.

Pedri (5/10)

Showed some flashes of brilliance before leaving the pitch with another injury just before half-time. He has no luck.

Attack

Raphinha (4/10)

Struggled on the right flank in the first half, and did not improve much when he moved to the left in the second half.

Robert Lewandowski (4/10)

Roamed around trying to find the ball, but lacked the support he required. Seems annoyed.

Subs & Manager

Fermin Lopez (5/10)

Came on for De Jong. Did not show much quality in midfield.

Lamine Yamal (7/10)

Replaced the injured Pedri at half-time. Lively on the wing, and tried to create chances.

Joao Felix (5/10)

Entered the game late, and did not make a difference.

Inigo Martinez (N/A)

Not enough time to do anything.

Oriol Romeu (N/A)

Not enough time to do anything.

Xavi (5/10)

Made some curious decisions, such as dropping Yamal and keeping Cubarsi. He had a terrible first half, as he lost two important players to injuries. The second half was no better, as Barca were dull. A night to forget in a season to regret.