Barcelona player ratings vs Shakhtar Donetsk: La Masia bails out Blaugrana again! Fermin Lopez thunderbolt puts Catalans on cusp of Champions League last 16

Posted Thursday, October 26, 2023 by Goal.com

The academy graduate, who scored a crucial second goal, could be the next game-changing talent for Xavi's side

Fermin Lopez was crucial in Barcelona's first, and scored a wonderful second, as the Blaugrana saw off Shakhtar Donetsk to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League. Xavi's side took a 2-0 lead, but conceded in the second half to make for a nervy finish to a 2-1 victory.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring after 30 minutes, lashing a rebound home from short range after Lopez's effort cannoned off the post. Lopez made it two shortly after, collecting Joao Cancelo's pass in stride before pinging a shot in off the post from 20 yards out.

The Blaugrana had the ball in the back of the net for a third time, but Torres mistimed his run and was ruled offside. And they were made to pay. The visitors pulled one back on the hour mark, Heorhiy Sudakov running behind a Barca high line and blasting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Lopez nearly had a second shortly after, but rattled the woodwork with a curled effort. Still, Barca saw out the contest to make it three wins from three in Group H.