Barcelona thrashed Alaves 5-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday night time to keep up their 100% league file in 2021, and return to second spot in La Liga.
Unsurprisingly, Ronald Koeman’s aspect dominated the ball fully from the get go however discovered it arduous to interrupt down an organised Alaves again line. Nonetheless, La Blaugrana discovered the opener on 29 minutes when a fierce Oscar Mingueza cross was introduced down by league debutant Ilaix Moriba, who then arrange Trincao to attain.
Barcelona continued to assault and made it two on the point of half time when Lionel Messi produced a second of magic. The Argentine obtained the ball about 35 yards out from purpose, aspect stepped a problem from Rodrigo Battaglia and fired into the underside nook previous a despairing Fernando Pacheco.
Barcelona contiued to dominate proceedings, however solely after a scare from the guests. Luis Rioja pulled one again for Alaves fiftenn minutes after the restart, as he latched on to a misplaced Moriba move in midfield and broke ahead earlier than slotting previous Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
However Barça then flicked the change and confirmed their high quality. The third got here by Trincao within the 74th minute, who scored his second of the night time from a rebounded Messi shot. The Argentine then made it 4 one minute later, when he unleashed a magnificence into the highest nook from 25 yards out to safe his personal brace.
The scoring was rounded off by Junior Firpo who had the only of duties of tapping in an Antoine Griezamnn pull again after an exceptional ball excessive by Messi.
Proper, let’s get to the Barcelona participant rankings.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 6/10 – The German had little or no to do, however at all times saved his focus, studying the sport nicely from crosses and making a few good saves and will do little in regards to the opposition’s purpose.
Oscar Mingueza (RB) – 8/10 – A cultured show from the teen. Very stable defensively, breaking down a number of harmful Alaves counters, whereas additionally offering a superb cross which led to the Barca opener.
Frenkie De Jong (CB) – 6/10 – Was defensively stable at centre again within the first interval, and seemed extra snug when pushed as much as the centre of the sector within the second however could not actually affect proceedings in any respect, making no key passes.
Clement Lenglet (CB) – 7/10 – Good efficiency, displaying his high quality in opposition to Lucas Perez and Joselu. The Frenchman additionally saved his goalkeeper from a one on one within the first half with a powerful piece of defending.
Junior Firpo (LB) – 7/10 – A really attacking efficiency, nearly appearing as a left winger when La Blaugrana had the ball, and obtained himself a purpose with 15 to go as he tapped in from Griezmann’s pull again.
Sergio Busquets (DM) – 7/10 – Such an efficient display screen as common, successful the ball 5 occasions. Additionally produced some good passes, most notably feeding Messi from deep for the second purpose earlier than coming off at half time.
Ilaix Moriba (CM) – 7/10 – Very shiny from minute one, displaying nice composure and an unselfish perspective to help Trincao for the opener. However the sloppy move that led to the Alaves purpose tarnished the 18-year previous’s in any other case good La Liga debut.
Riqui Puig (CM) – 7/10 – Confirmed class with some stunning touches on the ball, weaving his approach between opposition gamers. Was key in making Barca tick, sustaining a 94% move accuracy.
Trincao (RW) – 9/10 – Threatened Alaves all through and deservedly grabbed his second and third targets in two video games with cool, scientific ending wither aspect of half time.
Lionel Messi (ST) – 9/10 – Classic Messi. Produced magic with a beautiful purpose for his aspect’s second. Then waved his wand once more, unleashing a surprise strike from 25 yards out for Barcelona’s fourth. And created the fifth with a ball excessive that may solely be described as a chunk of artwork.
Antoine Griezmann (LW) – 7/10 – A recreation of missed possibilities for the Frenchman who made up for not scoring by grabbing the assists for Barca’s fourth and fifth.
Samuel Umtiti (CB) – 7/10 – Very stable on the coronary heart of defence, making a number of essential clearances and interceptions as Alaves obtained up the pitch in the direction of the later levels.
Pedri (CM) – 7/10 – Impacted the sport immediately after his introduction, spraying the ball round progressively into good areas, and even created Barca’s third with a stunning by ball.
Miralem Pjanic (CM) – 6/10
Sergino Dest (RB) – 6/10
Ousmane Dembele (LW) – N/A