Barcelona 0-0 Girona: Player Ratings

Xavi’s Barcelona faced off against Michel’s Girona late on Monday night in a game that presented them with a chance to go 15 points clear atop La Liga.

It was a frustrating night for the league leaders who were still without the services of some of their biggest stars. The visitors’ resilient defence gave the Catalans little space to capitalise on, but an equal share of blame stood on their inability to finish.

The game ended in a draw at Spotify Camp Nou with both sides sharing the spoils. It was not a poor result for the Catalans but an opportunity missed. Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the draw at home.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6

The German shot-stopper had a quiet first half with no saves to make despite Girona’s occasional threat on goal. The second period did not bring him much threat either, particularly because of Girona’s astray shooting.

Jules Kounde: 6.5

Started at right-back and played a tad bit more offensive than usually deployed. Had a very strong first half in both defence and attack with a 100% completion rate in dribbles, long balls and crosses. Maintained his high level throughout the second 45 minutes.

Ronald Araujo: 6.5

The Uruguayan sent waves of concern to the dressing room by repeatedly touching his right knee during the game but did not appear to be in any evident pain. Came within millimetres of scoring late in the first half through a neat flick from a corner but the ball did not entirely cross the line.

Defensively, the Uruguayan was slightly on a lower level than his usual self in the first half but improved significantly in the second period. Completed the game with 11 defensive actions.

Eric Garcia: 6

Solid, strong in possession, and smart with his distribution in the opening period. Made a crucial interception late in the first period to deny Girona a sure-shot chance.

Was at fault for Castellanos running into space early in the second period. North of 100 touches on the night but slightly rusty in defence.

Alejandro Balde: 6.5

The Spanish full-back had very little to do defensively in the opening period but was very intimately involved in the attacking play throughout. His bursts of pace and overlapping runs constantly created chances down the left but the side could not utilise them.

Sergi Roberto: 6

Not extravagant nor faultable for any of his contributions on the night. Roberto did well to keep the ball in circulation, and made runs into the box when needed but failed to record even one key pass, successful cross, or long ball. Came off at halftime.

Sergio Busquets: 7

The captain was one of the most involved players on the night and was at the heart of every Catalan buildup. Completed the game with a pass accuracy of close to 90%, seven accurate long balls and 100% duels won.

Gavi: 5.5

Was once again everywhere on the field for the Catalans against Girona. However, he was far from his usual best in pass accuracy and did not generate as much penetrating play in the first half as one would expect.

Raphinha: 7

The Brazilian attempted to be the creator-in-chief for the azulgranaslooking for incisive passes and delivering all the setpieces. He was at the receiving end of such chances too but struggled to put them away.

Robert Lewandowski: 5

The striker looked sharp in link-up play and passing sequences at times but was still his rusty self in front of the goal. Hesitated too much before pulling the trigger even on big chances with a clear element of self-doubt.

At this point in the season, Lewy’s lack of goals is beginning to get serious.

Ansu Fati: 6

There was a spark related to Ansu Fati against Girona. Starting on the left wing, he looked inspired in the link-up play and did not hesitate to shoot when given the chance. His shots may not have hit the target, but to see him generate the threat he did was encouraging.

Completed the game with two key passes, two shots off target, a successful dribble and 100% long balls and crosses completed. Came off for Torres.

SUBSTITUTES

Franck Kessie: 4

Barely involved in the proceedings after replacing Roberto at half-time, invisible throughout most of his appearance off the bench.

Ferran Torres: 6

Played his first few minutes after coming on as a left winger, and shifted to the right after Raphinha’s substitution. Much improved after the change in position.

Jordi Alba: 6.5

Came on or Raphinha as an unlikely substitute on the wing with 15 minutes to go. Made an instant impact with clearly better chances created.