Barcelona player ratings vs Cadiz: Robert Lewandowski back in the goals as Blaugrana go eight points clear
Posted Monday, February 20, 2023 by Goal.com
Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski scored just before half time, while Ferran Torres enjoyed a rare run out as Barcelona held off Cadiz.
Barcelona broke the deadlock just before the break, with Sergi Roberto finishing from close range after a winding run from Ferran Torres.
Lewandowski made it two in first-half stoppage time, lashing the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Barca weren't quite as comfortable in the second half, with Cadiz having a goal ruled out and hitting the woodwork twice. Still, the Blaugrana held on to increase their lead atop La Liga to eight points. For now, all focus turns to the second leg of their Europa League clash with Manchester United on Thursday.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Uneasy in the second half, but still kept a clean sheet.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Wasn't his most attacking game — let Ferran do most of the work in the final third.
Andreas Christensen (7/10):
Typically cool on the ball, reliable as usual in the air.
Eric Garcia (6/10):
Was comfortable for nearly an hour. A few late errors nearly let Cadiz back in it.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Thrives in a more attacking role. Unlucky not to grab himself an assist.
Midfield
Sergi Roberto (8/10):
Scored and assisted to mark a standout performance for the captain. Seems to thrive when the games are a bit slower.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
An agreeable 70 minutes. Barca seemed to lose a bit of control when he exited the game.
Gavi (6/10):
Scrappy and impactful in the first half. Less impressive in the second. Barca will miss him on Thursday after he picked up one too many yellow cards.
Attack
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Made the most of his opportunity, and looked like Barca's most consistent threat. Tired towards the end.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Broke a mini-drought to score his second goal in his last seven league games. Will need to be back at it on Thursday.
Ansu Fati (6/10):
Given a chance to impress. Enjoyed some nice moments, but nothing quite came off for him.
Subs & Manager
Franck Kessie (6/10):
Not his best cameo, but kept his legs fresh ahead of Thursday.
Raphinha (6/10):
11 touches in a brief runout.
Angel Alarcon (N/A):
Nice to get his La Liga debut — even if it was just for the last few minutes.
Xavi (7/10):
Handed Torres and Fati starts, and brought in Eric Garcia in place of the suspended Ronald Araujo. It all worked out quite well, despite a brief second-half wobble. United next.
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