Gavi 8.0, Yamal 7.5 | Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club: Player ratings | OneFootball

FC Barcelona took on Athletic Club in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup and a win in this game was expected to give Hansi Flick his first shot at silverware as the coach of the Catalan club. Ultimately, the game ended 2-0 in favor of the Catalan side.

Hansi Flick’s men started the first half well, dominating proceedings and building some beautiful attacking patterns. This pressure eventually resulted in a goal, with Gavi opening his account for the season. However, Athletic Club fought back well and Barcelona would have their goalkeeper to thank for going into the break with a lead.

Barcelona started the second half well again and managed to score yet another early goal through Lamine Yamal. However, the team continued to miss chances and survived a couple of scares late on as Athletic Bilbao saw two of their goals ruled out for offside.

Here is how the Barcelona players faired.

Player Ratings:

Wojciech Szczęsny: 7.5

Looked a bit shaky early on when he tried to sweep balls – something that Iñaki Peña excels at. His shot-stopping was on point though.

Made yet another point-blank save to deny Iñaki Williams in the closing minutes of the first half. Similar story in the second half – his sweeping actions might have not been great but his shot-stopping really helped Barcelona on the night. Was beaten twice but both goals were ruled out for offside.

Jules Koundé: 7.5

Started the game very brightly in an attacking sense and became very bright defensively as the game went on. Had to deal with Nico after he came on but that has always been one of the Frenchman’s strengths.

Pau Cubarsí: 7.0

Except for a few uncharacteristic errors, Cubarsí played like we have come to expect of him these days. The teenager cannot stop impressing.

Iñigo Martínez: 7.5

Typical ‘Rock at the Back’ performance from the ex-Athletic man. It was his crunching tackle that started the move for Barcelona’s 2nd goal, finished off by Lamine Yamal.

Alejandro Balde: 7.5

Often criticized for his decision-making in the final third, Balde produced a beautiful cross for Gavi’s goal. Had to contend with Iñaki Williams in the first half but held his own in what was a good performance from the Spaniard. Taken off for Gerard Martín in the last 10 minutes.

Marc Casadó: 7.5

What a player! He is so crucial to making this team tick and his recovery challenges are a joy to watch. Taken off for Eric Garcia after what was a very good defensive midfield display.

Pedri: 7.0

He started the game very well but as the game went on, he seemed to disappear and did not have his usual influence on proceedings. Not at his vintage best but that is still a very good performance for most players out there.

Raphinha: 6.5

Missed a glorious chance very early on and even almost caught Unai Simón out with a smart free-kick. His touch in the lead-up to Barcelona’s first goal was sublime.

Should have had at least one goal against his name in the first half though. Should have scored early in the second half as well but again hit his shot straight into Unai Simón.

Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Gavi: 8.0

It has taken some time but Gavi finally scored his first Barcelona goal since his return from injury. He then turned provider for Barcelona’s 2nd goal, finding Lamine with a pin-point pass.

Made a few heart stops when he went down in the second half but picked himself back up almost immediately. Was understandably taken off.

Lamine Yamal: 7.5

Should have doubled Barcelona’s lead but chipped the ball straight into Unai Simon’s hands. Looked far from 100% in the first 45, begging the question of whether he was rushed back for this game.

That said, he looked much sharper in the second 45, and finally got his goal (which included an excellent piece of skill). Wisely taken off at around the hour mark.

Robert Lewandowski: 4.0

Robert Lewandowski was tasked with dropping much deeper than we have seen under Hansi Flick and he was used more like how Xavi liked to use him during his days as a manager. Missed an absolute sitter that would have given Barcelona a 3-0 lead. Taken off for Ferran Torres after a poor performance.

Substitutes:

Fermín López: 5.5

Came on for Lamine at around the hour mark.

Ferran Torres: 6.0

Came on for Robert Lewandowski in the number nine role. Created a good chance for Frenkie late in the game.

Frenkie de Jong: 5.5

Came on for Gavi and almost immediately created something. Put his team in a fix with a horrendous back pass that resulted in a goal which was fortunately ruled out for offside. Had the chance to put the game to bed with a goal but saw his shot cleared off the line.

Gerard Martín: N/A

Replaced Balde to see out the game.

Eric Garcia: N/A