Yamal 9.5, Raphinha 8.5 | Levante 2-4 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Yamal 9.5, Raphinha 8.5 | Levante 2-4 Barcelona: Player Ratings Barcelona faced a gruelling game against Levante last night in a fixture that has regularly challenged them in recent years. The Catalans opened the game with their signature possession dominance and chance creation and even stole a 2-0 lead relatively easily. Levante, however, began to make inroads soon after and pressed with equal energy. They created multiple chances, and the Blaugrana did well to hold on until half-time. An early penalty after the break put the visitors 3-0 up, and the equally balanced night continued deep into the night. Levante pulled one back soon after, setting up for a high-octane finish. Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Levante 1-3 Barcelona. Joan Garcia: 7 The Barcelona goalkeeper had a relatively busy first half, especially in the latter stages of the period, but most of the saves he made were of efforts that would not have counted. Nevertheless, his efforts when faced with shots were remarkable. Xavi Espart: 8.5 Espart’s first Barcelona goal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The youngster was a standout performer returning to the starting lineup and did brilliantly well in both defence and attack.  He opened the scoring with a neat finish in the opening five minutes and was constantly looking to overlap with Gordon on the left-flank while also being reliable defensively. His back-pass, however, led to Levante’s opener. Gerard Martin: 5.5 The Spaniard was the weak link in Barcelona’s defence in the first half with loose passes, poor distribution and even poor decision-making on the back. He came under pressure from Levante’s press and his mistakes made the team vulnerable at the back. Was hooked off at half-time for his booking status, injury and performance. Pau Cubarsi: 7 Cubarsi was a stable cog at the back for the Catalans and held the fortress against Levante’s relentless attack in the latter stages of the second half. Looked more comfortable with Christensen by his side after the break. Was beaten too easily for Levante’s second goal of the night. Eric Garcia: 6 Eric returned to the starting lineup after missing the clash midweek and did well in terms of his defensive work-rate and distribution. Yet, he lacked the spark in the final third and was barely visible in attacking transitions. Rodri: 8 Rodri was vital in Barcelona’s pressing and ball retention structures and combined well with Pedri in midfield. He progressed the ball forward with intent and was crucial in holding off Levante’s press. However, he did make the odd distribution error which Levante kept capitalising on to create chances. Pedri: 7 Pedri did not have his best game on the night and even looked fatigued at several points against Levante, but did not make too many errors in possession. His press was lousy and he did not keep the tempo he usually maintains. His performance was decent, but subpar by his astronomical standards. Fermin Lopez: 7.5 Fermin Lopez was spirited in attack and in the press and compensated for the energy missing otherwise in midfield. He did not drop too deep, and was essential in unlocking Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the counter. Played a crucial role in creating Barcelona’s second goal on the night by directing Raphinha into space Anthony Gordon: 6 Gordon’s first poor performance of the season arrived against Levante as the player looked split from the rest of the team and barely involved in attack. His crosses were off the mark and he barely took on his man on the flank. Gordon’s defensive work-rate was decent, but his contribution in attack was virtually non-existent. Raphinha: 8.5 Raphinha bagged two assists. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The Barcelona captain started off the game with a great assist to Xavi Espart and then went on to provide a stunning cut-back assist to Lamine Yamal later in the first half. He was relentless with his press and constantly looked to make the vertical runs into the box, leading to a couple of chances to score. For the first time this season, however, he failed to find the back of the net. Lamine Yamal: 9.5 Yamal netted a brace (Picture credit: X/FC Barcelona) Yamal was electric for Barcelona and the heart of every Barcelona attack against Levante as he netted a wonderful brace. He opened his account with a strike into the roof of the net off Raphinha’s assist, and then won and converted a penalty early in the second-half. Was taken off early as part of Flick’s rotation scheme. Andreas Christensen: 7 Came on as a second-half substitute for Martin and slotted in alongside Cubarsi with ease. Held the back line with more reassurance than it appeared in the first-half and even made a goal-line clearance to deny the hosts. Had a momentary lapse in concentration which led to Levante scoring their goal on the night. Karim Adeyemi: 8 Came on to replace Gordon and brought more attacking flair to the wing. Scored Barcelona’s fourth goal to put the game to bed and kill Levante’s comeback hopes.