Barcelona returned to profitable methods in La Liga with a 4-0 win over Osasuna at Camp Nou on Sunday as Lionel Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona with a superb second-half aim.
Martin Braithwaite, making his first begin within the league this season, opened the scoring from shut vary and Antoine Griezmann added the second earlier than half-time with a surprising volley from the sting of the field.
Philippe Coutinho scored the third after the break when he was teed up by Griezmann earlier than Messi accomplished the rout for Ronald Koeman’s males. Messi lashed residence from 20 yards earlier than revealing a Newell’s Outdated Boys shirt in tribute to Maradona, the previous Argentina, Napoli and Barca ahead who died Wednesday.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– ESPN+ viewer’s guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Positives
This win, together with the 4-0 success over Dynamo Kiev in midweek, was simply what was wanted after final week’s loss to Atletico Madrid. Barca now head right into a run of six league video games — 4 of which might be at residence — stuffed with confidence and again within the high half of the desk. Past the outcome and the 4 objectives, Barca performed effectively, with a glimpse of some fast-paced, one-touch soccer not seen usually at Camp Nou lately.
Koeman can even be blissful to have seen all his 4 attackers on the scoresheet. Messi netted his seventh of the season, Griezmann made it 4 in his final six video games, Braithwaite scored for the third time in every week and Coutinho was on the right track for the primary time since getting back from a hamstring damage.
Negatives
Koeman might need to mud his boots off if Barca’s dangerous luck continues in defence. Clement Lenglet started the sport because the senior facet’s solely match centre-back however he limped off with an ankle damage within the second half, becoming a member of Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti on the sidelines.
Barca, due to this fact, ended the sport with midfielder Frenkie de Jong and the B crew’s Oscar Mingueza on the again. The Dutch supervisor will cross his fingers and hope that Lenglet will not be out for lengthy with a continuous schedule between now and the tip of the yr.
Supervisor score out of 10
7 — Koeman’s resolution to make use of Braithwaite as a hard and fast No. 9 and Pedri alongside Frenkie de Jong in midfield was courageous however paid off. He additionally used his substitutes effectively to relaxation gamers with out handing the impetus again to Osasuna.
Participant scores (1-10; 10 = greatest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no score)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 — Was made to work for his clear sheet, making a string of superb saves.
DF Sergino Dest, 7 — One other actually encouraging efficiency from the United States worldwide, regardless of being a health doubt earlier than the sport. Daring in assault and strong in defence.
DF Oscar Mingueza, 7 — The teen made one or two stray passes in harmful areas however, total, has been the massive optimistic of the final week after being requested to step up as a result of damage disaster in defence.
DF Clement Lenglet, 6 — Had been knocked two or thrice earlier than ultimately going off with an ankle downside.
DF Jordi Alba, 6 — Acquired into some harmful positions on the left however his crosses had been usually missing high quality. Helped create the opener.
MF Frenkie de Jong, 6 — Performed one sensational cross to Messi within the first half earlier than being requested to drop again into defence after Lenglet’s damage.
MF Pedri, 6 — Performed a deeper function however was as snug as ever in possession.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 8 — Has seemed a special participant within the final week. Linked effectively with Messi, creating an early likelihood for Coutinho, earlier than coming near scoring himself. Ultimately discovered the again of the web with a thumping volley and later arrange Barca’s third aim for Coutinho.
FW Lionel Messi, 8 — Seemed as blissful in a Barca shirt as he has since attempting to go away in the summertime. Capped a great efficiency with a surprising strike within the 73rd minute.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 6 — Missed a wonderful likelihood to open the scoring within the first half however ultimately acquired his aim after the break due to Griezmann’s unselfish play.
FW Martin Braithwaite, 7 — His presence alone opened up area behind him for Messi, Griezmann, and Coutinho to create. Additionally scored one other poacher’s aim to make it three objectives in two begins this week.
Substitutes
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 — Got here on at half-time, making his return from a knee damage that stored him out for 2 weeks.
DF Junior Firpo, 6 — Barca’s defensive issues are forcing the left-back to turn into Mr. Versatile. Performed at centre-back, briefly, in midweek and was used as a right-back right here.
FW Francisco Trincao, 6 — Arrange Dembele’s disallowed aim and missed the possibility to attain his first Barca aim when fed by Messi within the ninetieth minute.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 6 — Had a aim dominated out for offside and smashed into the facet netting late on.
MF Carles Alena, N/R — Changed the injured Lenglet, with De Jong dropping into defence.
