Barcelona player ratings after beating Athletic Club: Pedri and Lamine Yamal stand out

FC Barcelona secured a narrow win over Athletic Club in LaLiga thanks to a sensational goal from young winger Lamine Yamal, who bent the ball into the top corner and out of the reach of Unai Simón.

It was the golden moment in a game at San Mamés peppered with chances and characterised by fine margins: the ball bouncing off the inside of the post and into the back of the net was the one time it fell on the right side of the line. With the win, Barcelona restore their 4-point lead at the top of the table.

Joan García: Another clean sheet. The Catalan goalkeeper had an excellent game, making two outstanding saves: one in a one-on-one with Selton and another from a point-blank effort by Sancet. He finished the match dealing with several long balls, though with limited success.

Eric: Another masterful performance from the academy graduate, who began the match wearing the captain’s armband and playing at right-back. He was not as dynamic going forward as Koundé, but he was very attentive defensively. After Flick’s substitutions, he ended up playing as a holding midfielder alongside Pedri.

Cubarsí: Excellent in every respect, showing that he has reached this stage of the season in peak form. Solid in his distribution and decisive in defence. Also very alert in transition.

Gerard: A good game from the academy player, who started as a left-sided centre-back and finished at left-back. He had some issues with his footing during the match, slipping on more than one occasion.

Cancelo: The Portuguese defender was not at Atlético’s usual level, but he still had a decent game. Rashford’s complete ineffectiveness severely limited his play on the left flank. He eventually moved to right-back. He loses possession too often, which is always a risk.

Casadó: He gives everything on the pitch, which is always appreciated, but he shows a lack of variety in his game that can sometimes jeopardise the team’s stability. In any case, players like him are necessary in a squad because his commitment to the project is absolute.

Bernal: He tried to bring some judgement and composure to the midfield, but the truth is that his teammates were not up to the same level, especially Olmo, who had a particularly erratic and error-prone performance.

Olmo: Very inconsistent. The Terrassa native has plenty of talent, but his game is alarmingly flat, whether because of a lack of intensity or poor finishing. Right now, it is clear that Fermín has the edge over him for a starting place.

Lamine: Not his best game, but he scored one of those goals that can end up winning you the league. A magnificent move that began with a superb assist from Pedri and ended with Yamal producing a true piece of artistry, curling the ball perfectly into the top corner.

Ferran: When a striker goes eight games without scoring, it raises serious questions. He runs and makes good movements, but it all ends in nothing. Quite simply infuriating.

Rashford: Poor. The English forward continues to show many weaknesses. So many, in fact, that many fans are questioning whether paying 30 million for him this summer would be worthwhile. He failed to make the most of either his pace or his finishing, delivering a performance that was as flat as it was frustrating.

Substitutes

Pedri: The Canary Islander came on at half-time for Bernal. His introduction was a breath of fresh air and restored much of the team’s identity. His assist for Lamine was a work of art. He played 45 minutes.

Fermín: Impressive in every respect. He gave the team a boost and began creating plays all over the pitch. At the moment, he is clearly ahead of Olmo.

Lewandowski: Little, if anything.

Raphinha: Whether he plays well or poorly, there is something non-negotiable about Brazilians: relentless effort and an extraordinary resistance to discouragement.

Araújo: He played alongside Cubarsí in central defence. He kept things simple and never complicated matters with the ball at his feet.

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