Negatively impacted by an injury Barcelona won 2-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the Champions League, keeping their pristine record in Group H intact despite making things difficult for themselves.

The home team defeated the visiting Ukrainians despite missing three starters (Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Raphinha, plus the suspended Gavi). Barcelona took a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres and a goal by Fermin Lopez, both of which were fantastic long-range efforts.

Barcelona looked like they were going to cruise to three points, but Shakhtar’s tenacity in the second half created plenty of issues. To no avail, as Xavi’s team held on for another Champions League victory despite a late goal by Georgiy Sudakov.

What happened during the game

Even though Barcelona had to play with a depleted lineup when Shakhtar came to town, they were back to their winning ways in no time. Early on, Lopez danced into the box but saw his shot blocked by Dmytro Riznyk, while Joao Cancelo had a shot blocked with his left foot.

Just before the half-hour mark, Barcelona found a way to score against a stubborn Shakhtar defense. After Lopez’s goal was first ruled out for offside, Torres smashed home a ferocious effort to give the home team a deserved lead after Lopez’s shot hit the post.

Barcelona’s second goal came at the 37-minute mark, and it was another spectacular effort from the always reliable Lopez. After being instrumental to all of the home team’s success, the kid finally found the back of the net with a vicious shot from 20 yards out, beating Riznyk despite hitting the post.

The reigning La Liga winners came out strong to start the second half, with Joao Felix threatening the opposing goalkeeper with an angled header just three minutes in. Around the hour mark, Torres thought he had increased Barca’s lead, but his beautiful chip was correctly deemed to be offside, much to the relief of Shakhtar.

But then, a chance at redemption appeared for Shakhtar. With Ronaldo Araujo dragging him out wide, Georgiy Sudakov made a run past Barcelona’s backline and was eventually set up by Irakli Azarov, who finished coolly to cut Barcelona’s lead in half.

As the crowd began to freak up, Lopez nearly gave Barca their two-goal lead back. The midfielder had two good chances, the first when his shot from the outside of the box hit the post and the second when his looping header was disallowed for offside.

Despite Shakhtar’s best efforts, Barcelona was able to hold on for their third consecutive group stage triumph in the Champions League before this weekend’s El Clasico.

Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk player ratings (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6/10 – Never tested by Shakhtar and was generally a spectator. Can’t help Shakhtar’s goal.

RB: Joao Cancelo – 7/10 – Strong right-wing runs help Lamine Yamal. Sharp and tidy with the ball.

Inigo Martinez, CB, 6/10, showed his technical skills with long diagonal balls to Yamal. Lost composure after Shakhtar equalized.

Ronald Araujo, CB, 6/10, dragged out wide for Shakhtar’s goal, leaving Sudakov a gap behind him. Not his best second-half performance.

Marcos Alonso (6/10) broke past Felix down the left wing and sent a few dangerous driven crosses that teammates couldn’t reach.

CM: Fermin Lopez (9/10). A great performance and goal. Two woodwork hits and great runs beyond Barcelona’s attacking line. His lack of scoring is the only regret.

CM: Oriol Romeu (5/10). Strong in the challenge and calm on the ball. Left for dead by Sudakov’s rush for Shakhtar’s goal, highlighting his incredible slowness.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6/10 – Sloppy in control, but his lofted pass set up the opener.

Lamine Yamal (7/10) This youngster is box office gold. Sharp feet and agility, but little product. Enjoyable to watch and will improve.

ST: Ferran Torres (8/10). Nice assist for Lopez’s goal and great rebound finish for Barcelona’s first. Good line leader.

LW: Joao Felix (4/10). Portugal played poorly, losing the ball and overcomplicating things. Mostly peripheral throughout the match.

Substitutes

Sub: Alejandro Balde (71′ for Lopez)—6/10

Sub: Marc Guiu (75′ for Felix)—6/10

Sub: Marc Casado (82′ for Lopez)—N/A

SUB: Andreas Christensen (82′ Martinez)—N/A

Non-used substitutes: Pena, Astralaga, Cubarsi, Garrido, Fort.

Manager

Xavi (7/10): Despite his huge list of absentees, picked a Barcelona team that could just beat Shakhtar. Xavi’s performance in the Clasico undoubtedly will determine his fate.