Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi starred while Oscar Mingueza impressed on his La Liga debut as Barcelona thrashed Osasuna 4-0 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona were off to a bright start as they put Osasuna under intense pressure from the get-go, with Philippe Coutinho, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann all coming close to scoring within the first fifteen minutes.
The pressure finally paid off as Martin Braithwaite broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after his initial effort was saved by Sergio Herrera. The Catalans were two goals up close to half-time as Griezmann unleashed a sensational volley soon after the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside.
Twelve minutes into the second period, Coutinho put the game to bed, tapping in home from close range after being played in by Griezmann. Messi then made it 4-0 in favour of Barcelona in the 73rd minute to add further sheen to the scoreline as the Blaugrana picked up a vital victory in La Liga.
The result sees Ronald Koeman’s side move into the seventh position in the league table. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Barcelona stars on the afternoon at Camp Nou.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7/10
Pulled off an exceptional double save around the 40-minute mark, although it counted for little as the offside flag was up. Made another couple of decent stops in the second period to protect his clean sheet. Impeccable distribution from the back as usual, completing 33 of his 34 attempted passes.
Sergino Dest: 7/10
Shook off an injury issue to start against Osasuna and the USMNT international provided a constant outlet down the right flank as he had very little to do defensively. His pace and forward movement created spaces for the likes of Messi in the final third. Taken off around the hour-mark as a precaution.
Oscar Mingueza: 7/10
Óscar Mingueza vs Osasuna
80 passes
90% pass accuracy
2 tackles won
1 interception
6 clearances
3 aerials won21 years of age. Another very good performance by Barca youth graduate. His dream continues! ?? pic.twitter.com/J73hYfAzml
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) November 29, 2020
A promising La Liga debut for the 21-year-old, who is enjoying quite a memorable week. Having impressed in midweek against Dynamo Kyiv, Mingueza once again gave a very good account of himself. Distributed well from the back and oozed calm and composure when on the ball. Did make a mistake in the second period, which almost gifted Osasuna a chance.
Ended the game with five clearances – the most by any Barcelona player, along with two successful tackles and an interception while misplacing just eight of his attempted 88 passes. Another step in the right direction from the youngster.
Clement Lenglet: 7/10
A steady performance from the Frenchman who aided build-up play from the back with his accurate passing from the back (62 of 68 completed), while he was largely untroubled by the Osasuna strike-partnership of Ruben Garcia and Ante Budimir. Had to come off with an injury a little after the hour mark – which will be a major blow for Barcelona, with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti already out.
Jordi Alba: 7.5/10
Back into the starting XI after being benched for the midweek game, the Spaniard put up a fine display on the left side. With the visitors not testing him much defensively, Alba spent a lot of the game holed up in the attacking half and was a constant menace with his dangerous crosses into the box. Played three key passes on the day and was heavily involved in Barcelona’s first two goals.
Pedri: 5/10
Starting as part of the midfield pivot, the youngster looked like a square peg in a round hole. Didn’t look comfortable at all, especially in the early phases of the game. And although he was slowly growing into the role, Koeman withdrew the youngster at half-time.
Frenkie de Jong: 7/10
Back after being rested in midweek, the Dutchman was his usual steady self in the middle of the park, keeping things ticking with his precise passing while also making some dangerous forward runs. Moved into the centre-back position after Lenglet’s injury and while he didn’t look all too comfortable, ensured there were no hiccups.
Lionel Messi: 8/10
A moment for eternity. pic.twitter.com/nZt2LLfg1r
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 29, 2020
Returning after a well-deserved rest, the Barcelona captain looked in his elements from the get-go, opening up the Osasuna defence with a brilliant cross-field pass to Alba early in the game. Created a chance for Coutinho not long after while he was involved in the build-up for the second goal.
Continued to pose problems to the Osasuna defence, floating between the lines and carving out chances before scoring a brilliant goal to make it 4-0, which was followed by a nice tribute to Diego Maradona. Drew a save from Herrera late in the game from a free-kick. Played four key passes – the most by any player, while attempting (5) and completing the most dribbles (3).
Antoine Griezmann: 8/10
A lively performance from the World Cup winner, who was involved in almost everything positive Barcelona conjured up on the day. Created a chance for Coutinho early on, while he forced Herrera into action a couple of times before unleashing a fantastic strike to make it 2-0. Got the assist for Coutinho’s third in the second half. Linked up well with his teammates throughout and seems to be getting back to his best.
4️⃣ goals, 2️⃣ assists in last 6️⃣ games.
???, ?@AntoGriezmann pic.twitter.com/6LfAy9eXO8— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 30, 2020
Philippe Coutinho: 7.5/10
Started the game on a bright note, peppering the goal with a couple of efforts one of which was blocked while the other went narrowly over. Although he should have done better with his chances in the first period, Coutinho finally got his goal in the second half, tapping in Griezmann’s pass to make it 3-0. Worked hard off the ball in a tireless display.
Martin Braithwaite: 7/10
Continued his good form from midweek, taking up dangerous positions in and around the box and testing Herrera right before he was able to convert the rebound to make it 1-0. Worked hard off the ball, while his presence in the centre allows the likes of Griezmann and Messi more freedom and space to work with.
Substitutes
Sergio Busquets: 6/10
Replaced Pedri at half-time to mark his return from a knee injury. Comfortable outing with Barcelona controlling the proceedings.
Francisco Trincao: 6/10
Came on for Braithwaite at the hour-mark. A bright cameo from the Portuguese, who almost scored after being played through by Messi.
Ousmane Dembele: 6/10
Sent on in place of Coutinho in the 61st minute. Livened things up in the final third and had a goal ruled out for offside.
Junior Firpo: 6/10
On for Dest for the final thirty minutes and slotted in an unnatural right-back slot. Did his job with no mishaps, though.
Carles Alena: 6/10
Came on to replace the injured Lenglet in the 67th minute, slotting into the middle of the park. Neat and tidy in possesion.
