Barcelona Player Ratings vs Brest, Barcelona turned the tide with an impressive 3-0 win against Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday. Fresh off a disappointing La Liga draw against Celta Vigo, Hansi Flick’s side bounced back in style, with Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo delivering masterclass performances. This win solidified Barcelona’s dominance in the group and showcased their depth and quality against this season’s surprise package, Brest.
In this match, Lewandowski hit his 100th Champions League goal, joining the elite club of European strikers. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo dazzled with creativity, giving Barca fans plenty to cheer about. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the performance and ratings of Barcelona’s players.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Brest: Lewandowski’s Centurion Moment and Olmo’s Brilliance Propel Blaugrana to Victory
Match Summary
Barcelona entered the game with the pressure to redeem themselves following their La Liga slip. Brest, the dark horses of the Champions League, offered early resistance but struggled to contain Barca’s attacking power.
Lewandowski opened the scoring in the first half, converting a penalty after being fouled by Brest’s goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Barca maintained their control throughout the game, but it wasn’t until the second half that they fully unleashed their potential. Dani Olmo doubled the lead with a sensational individual effort, and Lewandowski sealed the victory with a perfectly placed strike in injury time.
Player Ratings: Barcelona vs. Brest
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Inaki Pena (6/10):
Had little to do as Brest rarely threatened. He remained composed and dealt with minor challenges effectively. - Jules Kounde (7/10):
Constantly pushed forward and contributed significantly to Barca’s attacking moves. His link-up play with Olmo was impressive, though he left occasional defensive gaps. - Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
The young defender was rock solid, winning aerial duels and ensuring a clean sheet. His composure belies his age, making him one of Barca’s most promising talents. - Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Displayed excellent positional awareness and covered for his teammates whenever needed. A reliable presence at the back. - Gerard Martin (7/10):
A dependable performance on the left flank. His cut-back assist for Olmo’s goal was a highlight.
Midfield
- Marc Casado (6/10):
Kept things simple with neat passing but struggled under pressure from Brest’s midfield. Showed flashes of quality but needs more consistency. - Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Industrious and full of running. Forced Bizot into a fantastic save with a powerful header and contributed defensively. - Pedri (7/10):
The creative engine in Barca’s midfield, Pedri’s chipped pass led to the penalty for Lewandowski’s opener. His balance of attacking intent and defensive work made him pivotal.
Attack
- Raphinha (7/10):
Always lively and eager to make things happen. While he didn’t register a goal or assist, his energy kept Brest’s defence on their toes. - Robert Lewandowski (9/10):
A vintage performance from the Polish striker. Scored his 100th Champions League goal and capped off the night with a superb injury-time strike. His creativity, including a sublime back-heel attempt, was on full display. - Dani Olmo (8/10):
Olmo dazzled with his footwork and attacking instincts. His solo goal, where he weaved through Brest’s defence before calmly finishing, was a thing of beauty. The chemistry he shares with Lewandowski is becoming a major asset for Barcelona.
Substitutes & Manager
- Gavi (6/10):
Added stability in midfield after coming on for Olmo. His growing match fitness is a welcome sign for Flick. - Alejandro Balde (6/10):
Played a supporting role, assisting Lewandowski’s second goal and ensuring defensive solidity. - Pablo Torre (5/10):
Missed a glorious chance to score Barca’s third, slicing his shot wide from a promising position. - Frenkie de Jong (N/A):
Brought on too late to make an impact. - Hansi Flick (8/10):
Fielded a balanced lineup and managed rotations effectively. The win reflected his tactical prowess and ability to bounce back after setbacks.
Key Moments in the Match
- Lewandowski’s Penalty (1-0):
A textbook finish from the spot saw Lewandowski open the scoring and join the exclusive 100-goal Champions League club. - Olmo’s Magic (2-0):
Olmo’s brilliance shone through as he glided past defenders and scored a stunning goal, showcasing his skill and confidence. - Lewandowski’s Second (3-0):
The Polish striker rounded off the night with a clinical strike into the bottom corner, leaving no room for doubt about Barca’s dominance.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s 3-0 win against Brest was a much-needed statement of intent. Lewandowski’s milestone moment and Olmo’s stellar performance highlighted the team’s attacking strength. While Barca’s dominance was never in doubt, their defensive consistency continues to impress, with youngsters like Cubarsi stepping up.
Hansi Flick will be pleased with the response from his side after their La Liga disappointment, and the victory sets them up nicely for their upcoming fixtures.
As Barca march forward in the Champions League, their combination of experienced stars like Lewandowski and promising talents like Cubarsi could prove decisive in the competition.
Gracias por su cariño, culers. No hay mejor regalo que una victoria junto a ustedes. 👏🏼❤️ #BarçaBrest #ChampionsLeague #Pedri pic.twitter.com/a7NcG3IvuM
— Pedri González (@Pedri) November 26, 2024
FAQs
1. Who scored Barcelona’s goals against Brest?
Robert Lewandowski scored twice, including a penalty, while Dani Olmo added another with a superb solo effort.
2. What milestone did Robert Lewandowski achieve in this match?
Lewandowski became only the third player in history to score 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
3. How did Dani Olmo perform?
Olmo was exceptional, scoring a brilliant goal and linking up effectively with Lewandowski. His performance highlighted his growing importance to the team.
4. What was the turning point of the match?
Olmo’s solo goal in the second half was the defining moment, putting the game beyond Brest’s reach.
5. What’s next for Barcelona in the Champions League?
With this win, Barcelona strengthened their position in the group and look forward to securing their qualification to the knockout stages in the final group game.
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