After an exciting match, FC Barcelona and Granada split the win. Both sides take one point from a 2-2 tie, which has a distinct worth for each.
The point against a top La Liga team will be a fantastic one for struggling Granada. Barcelona will lament their missed chances as they compete for the league crown with Real Madrid and are third in the standings, three points behind Los Blancos and one behind Girona.
With Jules Kounde wounded and Lamine Yamal making history, there were some intriguing field performances to evaluate after the whistle. Barcelona’s performance versus Granada
Player Ratings:
Stegen: 6.5
The German international struggled. Most Granada attacks were scary, and he should have done better in both Barcelona goals since he touched both efforts.
7.0 Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese fullback gave Barcelona a creative advantage wherever possible and even provided an assist towards the end that was chalked out for offside, which would have won the game.
Jules Kounde: 5.0
Jules Kounde had a bad night after being injured before halftime. After letting Bryan Zaragoza score twice that the Frenchman would have easily stopped, the central defender will need to do some soul-searching.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5
Possibly as guilty as Kounde in letting Granada exploit Barcelona. The Danish defender has had better games for Barcelona, and he and his French partner will want to forget this one.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
Provided the equalizer assist and continuously threatened Granada along the left wing. His pace was too much for the opponents, and while most of his cutbacks seemed harmless, his most devastating ball scored for Barcelona.
7.5 Ilkay Gundogan
Barcelona’s lone creative source, Ilkay Gundogan, played better than his teammates against Granada. Always one step ahead, he was often let down by his team rather than responsible for wayward passes that his midfielders and strikers should have seen coming.
Fermin Lopez: 6.5
The 20-year-old entered the game armed. He impressed before being substituted in the second half, fighting for every duel and persistent in every challenge.
Gavi: 7.0
The 19-year-old midfielder again ruled. The teenage Golden Boy winner was determined to drag Blaugranes back into the game, but he missed some golden chances to score.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5
Regardless of the outcome, the 16-year-old made Barcelona history tonight. After scoring the first goal for Barcelona and becoming the youngest La Liga goal scorer, he is eternally remembered.
Ferran Torres: 7.0
Ferran Torres was absent for most of the game and regularly taken out of play. Began to play more in the second half, helping Barcelona construct more threatening assaults.
Joao Felix 8.0
The Portuguese star remained constant and tried his best against Granada. Had a third goal disallowed for offside that may have won Barcelona the game late.
Substitutes:
Ronald Araujo: 7.5
The Uruguayan replaced injured Jules Kounde early and took over. Araujo played well, winning duels, producing threatening vertical passes, and almost scoring.
6.5 Oriol Romeu
Team stability and balance were restored by the veteran midfielder. Romeu was more active versus Granada than usual, and he helped Barcelona stay in control with his technical skills and strength.
Sergio Roberto: 7.5
After his entrance, the Spaniard was usually silent but appeared in important moments. Sergi Roberto saved Barcelona a point by attacking Alejandro Balde’s left-wing pass.