Following a convincing 2-0 win over Almeria, Barcelona returned to home soil to take on Rayo Vallecano in their quest to solidify a top-two spot in La Liga.
With Vallecano in need of one point to secure permanence in the first division, they expectedly did not make life easy for the Catalan giants.
However, utilizing their home advantage and striking through moments of brilliance, Barcelona came out with the all-important three points.
Ter Stegen: 8
The German goalkeeper was busy in the first half, making two solid saves and confidently playing out from the back. He also contributed a couple of crucial saves after proceedings.
Jules Kounde: 6
Kounde was not his usual best while defending on the right flank, with Vallecano often getting the better of him. Proved to be a reliable presence on the ball, though.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
Cubarsi was cool as a cucumber with his distribution. The youngster also safeguarded Barcelona against Vallecano’s long balls in transition, although he picked up a yellow card for a rash foul. Eventually, he earned a much deserved break at the hour mark.
Inigo Martinez: 7
The veteran center-back defended diligently in duels, playing some lovely long balls when on possession. Moreover, he made a crucial tackle in the second half amidst a flurry of opposition players.
Still, Martinez struggled to keep Vallecano at bay when they opted to play balls over the top due to his waning pace.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
Cancelo was tasked with holding width on the left flank as Raphinha roamed centrally. The Portuguese left-back had some trouble taking on his man but was responsible in possession and more alert than usual defensively.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
As always, Gundogan oozed tranquility with his touches and time on the ball. The German midfielder successfully completed all of his long balls and progressed play through central channels.
Sergi Roberto: 7
Roberto put in a respectable shift in the first half, winning a majority of his duels and keeping his composure on the ball.
However, he barely advanced play and thus Xavi hooked him at halftime for Andreas Christensen.
Fermin Lopez: 7
Fermin did what he does best: crashing the box with late runs and sniffing spaces to exploit. Even so, Barcelona failed to put his goalscoring talents to use, as service for him was limited.
To his credit, though, the youngster struck the ball well from range a few times and forced Stole Dimitrievski to pull out a great save.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5
The teenage prodigy struck gold early in the game by drifting inward and serving a picture-perfect pass to Robert Lewandowski.
Apart from his stellar assist, Yamal’s influence was mostly minimal, as his passing was timid and he rarely took his man on.
Robert Lewandowski: 8
Continuing his lethal form inside the final third, Lewandowski maturely chested Yamal’s pass before volleying the ball past Stole Dimitrievski.
The Polish talisman executed good runs and seemed hungry to score more, with the prospect of winning the Pichichi likely occupying his mind. Villarreal’s Alexander Sørloth may have dashed those dreams, though.
Raphinha: 6.5
Raphinha looked rather quiet on the left-wing and was hardly seen creating chances or testing the opposition defenders. Still, the Brazilian combined well with his teammates.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
The Danish international provided solutions under pressure and allowed the play to progress.
Ronald Araujo: 8
Replacing Pau Cubarsi, the Uruguayan exercised his defensive duties well but made the most notable mark with a sensational long ball to Pedri for the host’s third goal.
Joao Felix: 7.5
Felix played a huge hand in Pedri’s first goal, despite not earning a direct goal contribution. He tip-toed his way through the Vallecano defense immaculately before the ball landed at Pedri’s feet.
Pedri: 9.5
The Canary Islander turned out to be Barcelona’s savior in a game where the Catalans struggled to maintain any semblance of control.
In addition to bringing back order on the ball, Pedri scored twice to secure a convincing victory.
Roque: 6.5
Roque had little time to exert his influence, but went on a good run and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the defender.
