Barcelona Player Ratings vs Sevilla: 8.5/10 for Lewandowski, Raphinha; rest get 6 or higher

Barcelona climbed to the second spot on the La Liga standings after cruising to a 3-0 against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Barcelona secured their third successive victory in La Liga after breezing past Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. The hosts were no match for the visiting team as goals from Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Eric Garcia sealed three points for Xavi’s men, as they climbed up the table.

Real Madrid beat second-placed Real Betis in their match-up earlier in the day, giving Barcelona the chance to jump to the second place on the table. The Blaugrana did so in style as they made easy work of their opponents, with Sevilla struggles continuing.

Julen Lopetgui set his team up in a more pragmatic way to restrict Barcelona, but the quality of Xavi’s side meant they were always likely to find a way through. And so they did in the 21st minute through Raphinha, who found the net after Robert Lewandowski’s effort was cleared off the line.

Later on, the Pole found the net after scoring off a sensational pass from Jules Kounde, and the goal was something the striker deserved for his performance against Sevilla. The home side somewhat contained the visitors as Lopetegui wanted to restrict further goals.

As Sevilla looked to get back in the game, Barcelona struck a hammer blow to their hopes with the third strike. Eric Garcia’s strike in the 50th minute effectively sealed the three points for the Catalans, who then proceeded to manage the game and see to it that the points were theirs. Here’s how the Barcelona players fared in their comfortable win over Sevilla.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8/10

This was ter Stegen’s best game in a long time, as the German international made the best of the opportunity. He made three saves, including two incredible stops to deny Ivan Rakitic early on and a 1v1 chance for Youssef En-Nesyri to earn his well-deserved clean sheet.

Jules Kounde: 8/10

What a performance from Kounde who came back to hurt former club Sevilla. Two assists for the Frenchman alongside some terrific displays in defence. He looks certain to keep his place as Barcelona’s first-choice right-back as his combination with Raphinha showed massive progress.

Ronald Araujo: 6.5/10

While the other members of the Barcelona backline shone, Araujo was a bit off pace as he looked sloppy in certain moments of the game. Still, he managed to keep things under control and get a clean sheet.

Eric Garcia: 7/10

Garcia was not at his best defensively but ensured things did not go out of hand at the back. Despite some criticism over his display, the Spanish defender managed a clean sheet and got his name on the scoresheet, scoring the third goal that effectively sealed the points for his side.

Alejandro Balde: 6/10

Balde was an energetic presence but was not able to assert his influence on the game as the main action was happening on the other flank. He did track back pretty well to keep a tight lid on defensive work.

Gavi: 8/10

Yet another sensational performance from the Barcelona academy product, as Gavi was at his best in the first half when the team were focused on attacking the ball. As tactics changed after Garcia’s goal, he was more conservative in his approach, but he does seem primed for a terrific season ahead.

Sergio Busquets: 6/10

Busquets contained the game around him well, managing to restrict Isco from making any dangerous moves. Yet, his overall action lacked the impetus to dictate play, which is why a reasonable rating for an experienced midfielder.

Pedri: 7/10

While Gavi was the most active of the attacking midfielders, Pedri by no means had a quiet game. He created two brilliant chances, and always found space to weave his magic on the ball. As the game wore off, he was replaced to provide a breather.

Raphinha: 8.5/10

Raphinha is steadily becoming a force on the right wing, as the former Leeds United talisman continued his influential displays for Barcelona. He marked this game with the opening goal and numerous chances for his teammates.

Ousmane Dembele: 6/10

Dembele had an underwhelming day as he could not assert himself in the game. At times, the Frenchman looked sloppy and may have lacked the sharpness the other attackers were displaying.

Robert Lewandowski: 8.5/10

Lewandowski just cannot stop scoring as the experienced striker added another goal to his name as a Barcelona player. He was denied the opening goal with a deep clearance, but managed to get the strike he deserved after a terrific assist from Kounde.

SUBSTITUTES

Sergi Roberto: 6/10

Xavi wanted to contain the game and sent on Roberto to contain possession and keep things in control. The Spaniard did more than that as he created one brilliant chance for Lewandowski.

Frenkie de Jong: 7/10

Frenkie de Jong brought about a bite in midfield that gave Barcelona full control of proceedings as he got another 30 minutes under his belt.

Jordi Alba: 6/10

Alba got some minutes under his belt as Xavi switched to his more experienced players to see the game through.

Ferran Torres: N/A

Did not have much of an impact barring one moment when he could have created a chance but instead chose to shoot himself.

Ansu Fati: N/A

An underwhelming cameo from Fati, who was careless and barely had any impact to get a rating.