FC Barcelona managed to come through a match that looked difficult before kickoff and throughout the first half. Although there is still room for improvement, the Cules remain at the top of the Champions League standings.
However, they cannot afford to become complacent, as recent matches have shown that even a promising attack from their opponents can quickly turn into a fierce counterattack.
The match against Galatasaray ended 4-1, but we must not forget that the disallowed goal that would have made it 2-1 for the Turkish side was what kept the Spanish team alive. However, in the second half, Barca returned to the attacking style we are used to seeing.
That being said, here are the winners vs. losers from FC Barcelona’s victory over Galatasaray.
Winners
Joao Cancelo
The left-back was the backbone of a horrible defense; sorry, it’s true. Cancelo was instrumental in driving the attack, consistently offering himself as an option both inside and out wide.
However, a fullback must not only attack but also defend, and tonight, João Cancelo fulfilled his defensive duties, not with ease or brilliance, but nothing more or nothing less.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal was invisible in the first half, but came alive after the break, showcasing his skills and providing two crucial assists that energized the team.
Had this article been written at halftime, he would have been among the losers; instead, his second-half performance proved vital to FC Barcelona’s victory.
Still, too many opportunities, few goals; that can’t happen, because a different rival will not let it slide.
Pedri
What to say about Pedri. The puppeteer who pulls the strings for the team, because when Rodri doesn't show up, as was the case today, it's always the Spanish midfielder and FC Barcelona icon who takes the reins.
A large part of the Cules' ball recovery and possession comes thanks to their number eight.
Losers
Joan García
The truth is, even though your team won 4-1, you can’t have a good game as a goalkeeper if the other team had two shots on target and scored twice (although one goal was ruled out by VAR). García’s Champions League credentials remain unconvincing. Tonight, he stood out as one of FC Barcelona’s most vulnerable players.
Far from the play and slow with his reactions.
Rodri
Not a horrible game for the FIFA World Cup best player, but knowing what Rodri is capable of, he left too much to be desired. Nobody registered him during the game; he disappeared and, when he did appear, it was to make passes to the side.
Without being a crucial piece, Pedri was the main man of the midfield tonight.
FC Barcelona’s defense (without Cancelo)
The truth is that the situation is similar to Joan García's. It can't be that every time one of the wingers got on the ball, Galatasaray launched a counterattack that ended with a dangerous chance.
Not to mention that the two times the Turkish side got on the ball, they scored. So the defense was poor tonight, and it's a key area Barcelona must improve if they want to lift the trophy.
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