Deportivo Alaves rocked up to Barcelona’s temporary home in Olympic Saint Montjuic, hoping to cause an upset in gameweek 12 of La Liga.
With Gavi suspended and Frenkie de Jong still injured, Xavi made a few changes to the starting lineup, with Joao Cancelo at left-back, and Ronald Araujo on the right.
However, within 18 seconds, before most fans could even turn on their TV to watch the game, Alaves had scored the opening goal through Samuel Omorodion.
The Spaniard continued terrorising Barcelona’s defence through the first 45, with the hosts lucky not to be down by two or three.
Things changed almost immediately in the second half, though, as Barcelona started pushing for the points. And in the 53rd minute, the Catalans got their equaliser through Robert Lewandowski, who scored a sensational header.
The Pole made it two 25 minutes later from the penalty spot as Ferran Torres’ was caught by Abdelkabir Abqar.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 5
Got nutmegged for the goal, and could not do much about anything else that followed.
Jules Kounde: 4
A birthday to forget for Kounde, who put up a terrible showing in defence. Gave away multiple chances, including one where he got bullied off the ball by Omorodion, despite reaching it first. Had to be shifted at right-back in the first half itself.
Made it up slightly with a sensational cross that found Lewandowski for the equaliser, though.
Ronald Araujo: 6
Headed up during kick-off, with Joao Cancelo at right-back for some reason, which opened up the defence for Alaves to score. Covered at centre-back much better, though.
Inigo Martinez: 6.5
Should have done better with the goal while marking Omorodion during the goal. That said, his passing and ability on the ball are something to be in awe of, and he proved it again today as his brilliant through ball for Torres helped Barça earn a penalty.
Joao Cancelo: 7
After a rather dull first half, where he could not connect well with the crosses, Cancelo came alive in the second 45, adding a ton of dynamism to the team with his dribbling and passing.
Fermin Lopez: 4
Another underwhelming display from Fermin, who was given the responsibility as the most advanced midfielder on the pitch. Could not do much, though, and was eventually hooked.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7
Made a horrible mistake for Alaves’ as he was caught in possession in midfield. However, his performance after that was inspiring, as he single-handedly created most of the chances for the team.
Pedri: 7
A very welcome return in midfield, Pedri helped Gundogan control the game from deeper areas. Created a couple of decent chances, but was evidently manhandled by the Alaves midfield and had to be taken off to protect him.
Lamine Yamal: 6
Was left too isolated way too often and therefore, could not do much. The couple of times he found a way through after being double and triple-teamed, though, it helped Barcelona create a way through.
Robert Lewandowski: 8.5
A horror showing in the first half was followed by two goals from Lewandowski, who created something out of nothing for the equaliser, scoring a sensational header. He followed this with an unsaveable penalty into the top corner.
Joao Felix: 7
The only attacker that was trying different things, especially in the first half. Drove forward with the ball, but also made off-the-ball runs that pulled away defenders and opened the space for other players.
SUBSTITUTES:
Raphinha: 4
Did not add much to the attack. Will likely lose his position in the team with performances like these.
Alejandro Balde: 5.5
Added width to the left, and pulled away defenders that carved the space for Ferran Torres and co.
Ferran Torres: 7
A superb cameo from Torres, who won Barcelona the penalty with superb movement into the box. Also helped Lewandowski and Yamal by creating chaos with late runs.
Oriol Romeu: 6
Almost cost the team with a handball in literally the final second, but was lucky to get away with it. That said, did add much needed defensive depth in the dying minutes.
