Robert Lewandowski failed to score for the sixth straight game, and Barcelona seldom carved out any clear chances in a shock 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Poland striker, Barca’s most obvious attacking threat, was rendered anonymous by a dogged defence, as his side saw their hopes of getting out of their group delayed.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was forced into a save early, denying a driven effort at his near post. He could do little about the game’s next big chance, though, as. Shakhtar worked the ball down the right, before Giorgi Gocholeishvili whipped a ball into the area for Danylo Sikan. His finish was a wonderful one, the big striker falling away from goal yet still managing to divert a looping header into the far corner.
Barca created little else at the start of the second half, and could have easily conceded more, had Ter Stegen not provided two more handy stops.
And Blaugrana frustrations only multiplied throughout the half. Shakhtar dropped deep, happy to sit on a 1-0 lead — a decision that proved prudent as Xavi’s side repeatedly failed to find space in a crowded final third. Lewandowski, the theoretical answer to such woes, barely had a kick as Barca failed to find a groove in a shock defeat.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from Volksparkstadion in Hamburg…
RAD ALSO: Wike _ Why I’m At Loggerheads With Fubara breaking 2
-
-
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):
Made a good save early on. Could do nothing about the goal. A few more stops in the second half kept his team in it.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Did the whole inverted full-back thing effectively, but didn’t always have the killer ball in him. He’s slowed down after a promising start.
Ronald Araujo (8/10):
Gargantuan at the back. Always up for a tackle and calm on the ball. Barca would have conceded a couple more without him. One of the best in the world at his position.
Andreas Christensen (5/10):
Given real problems by Sikan, losing track of him on the goal. A few knocks have seen him fail to reach the heights of last season.
Marcos Alonso (5/10):
Nowhere to be found when Shakhtar broke for Sikan’s opener. Removed after an hour following a miserable showing.
-
-
Getty ImagesMidfield
Oriol Romeu (4/10):
Back in the side after a duo of poor performances. Didn’t offer much on either side of the ball, lacking in legs when Barca were hit on the break, and immobile in attack.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Certainly Barca’s best midfielder on the night, full of energy and quality. Some of his driving runs were a delight to watch.
Gavi (6/10):
A mixed showing. His work rate can’t be questioned, but he lacked quality on the ball. Much better when playing alongside the now-fit Pedri.
-
-
Getty ImagesAttack
Raphinha (4/10):
Got into good areas, looked dangerous on the ball, but was lacking in key moments. Yamal was far more effective in his position.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10):
Failed to get involved and often dropped back into his own half to get some touches in. Pretty much anonymous in key areas. Looks frustrated, at the moment.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Preferred to Felix. Afforded a few half chances, and squandered all of them. He’s better used as an impact substitute, it seems.
-
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Pedri (6/10):
On the ball regularly, but couldn’t break down a fearsome Shakhtar low block. Yet to find a groove after his injury lay-off.
Joao Felix (5/10):
Doubled up pretty much every time he touched the ball, and didn’t have room to offer his usual creativity.
Alejandro Balde (5/10):
His recovery pace was vital as Barca pushed men forward in search of a goal. Didn’t provide much in the final third, though.
Lamine Yamal (6/10):
Offered a real spark off the bench with his dribbling ability.
Fermin Lopez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
READ ALSO :Crypto Fest 2023: Africa to gather for blockchain innovation
Xavi (4/10):
Made some key alterations, dropping Felix and Balde, while also leaving Pedri out. His changes didn’t work. Barca were poor throughout, and had very few ideas against a low block. Could the ghosts of Champions Leagues past be back?!..
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
-
AND FACEBOOK.
