“Academy graduate, the potential game-changer for Xavi’s team.”
Fermin Lopez was crucial for Barcelona in their first match. Their remarkable second goal not only sealed Barcelona’s triumph against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League but also turned the tables as Xavi’s squad,
initially leading 2-0, clinched a 2-1 victory despite facing challenges in the latter half.
Thirty minutes into the game, Fermin Torres started the scoring. After Lopez’s attempt was cleared off the post, Torres pounced on the rebound from close range. A little later, Lopez further advanced their advantage by unleashing a long-range shot that found the mark, bringing the score to 2-0.
Barcelona had the ball behind the net for the third time, but Torres mistimed his run, and he was called offside. He had to pay the price. However, spectators pulled one back, and Henry Sudakov, running behind the Barcelona high line, got past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Lopez had another chance shortly, but a tricky attempt ended up in the woodwork. Still, Barcelona maintained a perfect record in Group H, winning all three matches.
Goal Ratings for Barcelona Players
Goalkeeper and Defense
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10): Seemed hesitant in accepting the ball and was easily beaten at his near post.
Joao Cancelo (6/10): Posed a creative threat from deep positions, with dangerous dribbling. However, his final ball was lacking.
Ronald Araujo (6/10): Failed to execute the offside trap effectively for Shakhtar’s goal. Struggled to clear the ball over the bar from a free-kick. Not his best performance.
Inigo Martinez (7/10): Solid in central defense. Shakhtar never really posed a serious threat to their goal.
Marcos Alonso (7/10): Moved forward well and did some solid defensive work. A satisfying performance as a backup.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu (6/10): Controlled things well in the first half but appeared less secure as the game progressed after the break.
Fermin Lopez proved to be the standout performer for Barcelona, and his contributions were pivotal in securing a crucial victory for his team. With Xavi’s guidance, Barcelona looks poised for success in the Champions League.
“Fermin Lopez Shines with an 8/10 Rating”
Fermin Lopez (8/10):
A consistent second start for the young player. He played a crucial role in the early goal after seeing his shot outside the post wander. He scored his first Champions League goal shortly after. His real talent is on display.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Lopez’s ideas established Barcelona’s opener. Otherwise, he was steady in the middle of the park.
Lamin Yamal (7/10):
With his usual sequence of cuts and turns, he was a threat on the right. A bit more clinical finishing from his teammates or Yamal himself might have resulted in one or two more assists.
Feran Torres (7/10):
He acquired his goals with precision. He found the net for the second time, though this time it was ruled offside, rightly so. He’s solid, but Robert Lewandowski’s drop-off is significant.
Joao Felix (7/10):
Once again, a good creative influence, even though he wasn’t playing with the natural center-forward. He had to leave the field due to an injury with 15 minutes remaining. Barcelona will hope it’s not too serious.
Substitutes and Manager
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
His arrival brought a mix of pace and creativity on the left side.
Mark Guiu (6/10):
A lively cameo. Running entirely from the ball and entering some good attacking areas.
Andreas Christensen (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Mark Cucurella (N/A):
Introduced late.
Xavi (7/10):
Given the injury situation, he went with his strongest lineup. He’ll be happy that Barcelona moved forward quickly, but things got tense after Shakhtar started to fight back. With the Clasico on Saturday, he needed peace.
Goalkeeper:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Inaki Pena
Ander Estralaga
Defenders:
Joao Cancelo
Alejandro Balde
Ronald Araujo
Inigo Martinez
Andreas Christensen
Marcos Alonso
Pau Cuibar
Hector Fort
Midfielders:
Oriol Romeu
Ilkay Gundogan
Mark Cucurella
Fermin Lopez
Alex Gallardo
