Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 win at dwelling to Athletic Club on Sunday evening, securing spectacular back-to-back wins following El Clasico disappointment.
Ousmane Dembele put Athletic to the sword from the off and headed Barcelona in entrance, earlier than turning supplier for Sergi Roberto to double the lead. Robert Lewandowski acquired in on the act for the hosts, who had been in full management and eased their approach into half-time with the sport basically gained already.
With the onerous yards already ran, Xavi’s aspect dropped the tempo considerably within the second half and performed the sport at a canter. Athletic failed to capitalise on that regardless of profitable again some possession, with Barcelona continually trying in management and Ferran Torres placing the seal on proceedings late on.
After a powerful displaying towards Villarreal within the midweek, it was uncommon to see Xavi set Barcelona up in a tweaked, 4-2-3-1 form that made use of 4 midfielders. The change paid dividends, although, together with his aspect dominating the ball from the primary whistle and pulling forward after simply 12 minutes of play.
Dembele pressured a wonderful save from Unai Simon with a curled effort from the sting of the field. Robert Lewandowski was there to scoop up the rebound, although, earlier than putting a well-weighted cross onto Dembele’s head, who took his second likelihood with ease.
Conceding an early aim rapidly become a nightmare opening 20 minutes for the guests. Sergi Roberto doubled Barcelona’s lead shortly after going forward, taking part in a wise passing trade with Dembele earlier than bursting into the field and discovering the underside nook. Moments later, Ander Herrera limped off injured, leaving an already shell-shocked Athletic utterly helpless.
And earlier than lengthy, they had been 3-0 down. Lewandowski turned Oscar de Marcos inside out within the penalty space, earlier than rifling previous Simon. La Blaugrana had been in full management, with Ernesto Valverde’s aspect nonetheless seemingly on the group bus and displaying no indicators of coming off it anytime quickly.
Unfortunately for Barcelona, a flawless first half was marred by Gavi being pressured off injured following a conflict with Dani Garcia. That substitution noticed them take their foot off the fuel considerably, however Athletic had been unable to discover a approach again into the sport earlier than half-time.
Having already performed the heavy lifting early on, Barcelona loved themselves after the break.
Passes had been sprayed round effortlessly they usually continued to reduce by Athletic, with Pedri hitting the submit and coming agonisingly shut to making it 4-0 following a superb cross from Roberto.
Ansu Fati’s presence off the substitutes bench was virtually instantly felt. Picking up the ball following a assured run ahead from Frenkie de Jong, the 19-year-old stood up his marker and bent the ball inches over the bar.
Just as Athletic got here shut to a comfort by a properly delivered free-kick and a short defensive lapse from Barcelona, the hosts broke ahead ruthlessly and added one other. Dembele burst by to pick Torres, who swivelled into house and coolly tucked the ball beneath the goalkeeper.
But simply as Gavi’s harm soured Barcelona’s first half, an harm to Roberto did the identical within the closing phases. An awkward touchdown for the Spaniard noticed him go away the sector clutching his shoulder in severe discomfort, forcing the hosts to see out proceedings with ten gamers.
Still although, confidence has been rebuilt, following the harm performed in losses to Inter and Real Madrid. Barcelona will want rather more than confidence, although, once they welcome Bayern Munich to the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
GK: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 5/10 – Having performed just about nothing all evening, the German practically gave away a clear sheet on the loss of life when he was too informal in possession. Not nice.
RB: Sergi Roberto – 9/10 – Bombed ahead and helped to carve by Athletic’s defence together with his underlapping runs. Took his aim brilliantly.
CB: Jules Kounde – 6/10 – Showed up, saved issues watertight in defence, barely broke a sweat and was performed after an hour. Solid night’s work.
CB: Eric Garcia – 6/10 – Garcia did not have his palms full at any level specifically, however a strong efficiency and a clear sheet is the best platform to construct some confidence.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 7/10 – Made a strong account of himself on being given the nod over the skilled Jordi Alba. Grew in confidence as the sport went on.
CM: Sergio Busquets – 6/10 – With little or no to do by way of being defensively stretched, the veteran midfielder was in a position to take pleasure in a tidy return to the XI.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 6/10 – Ticked possession over properly and made a wonderful account of himself in what was his second consecutive begin.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – 9/10 – On it from the off. Direct, sharp touches, positionally conscious and selfless. Superb.
AM: Gavi – N/A – Went off injured after half an hour.
LW: Pedri – 7/10 – Playing out broad and additional ahead, Pedri generally acquired misplaced in not having the ability to make his runs from deeper. Still picked u some good positions within the left half house, although, which proved problematic.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 8/10 – Incredible motion to torment Athletic’s flat-footed defence. Creates alternatives for his teammates whereas additionally sniffing out – and taking – probabilities for himself.
SUB: Franck Kessie (33′ for Gavi) – 7/10 – A dominant efficiency regardless of being thrust into motion somewhat unexpectedly. Kept Barcelona in management and confirmed glimpses of why he’s so extremely regarded by many.
SUB: Ansu Fati (63′ for Lewandowski) – 6/10 – Lacking sharpness, however not effort. Unfortunate not to rating.
SUB: Marcos Alonso (63′ for Kounde) – 5/10 – Still seems to be considerably uncomfortable at centre-back.
SUB: Ferran Torres (63′ for Pedri) – 7/10 – Should’ve had a brace, however made amends for an earlier wasted likelihood by tucking away his second.
SUB: Pablo Torre (77′ for Dembele) – N/A
Manager: Xavi – 8/10 – Rotated his aspect properly and nonetheless managed to come away with a superb efficiency and consequence. Has recovered from a troublesome week tremendously. Just a disgrace he acquired himself booked.