Another attempt came again in the 22nd minute of the game when Lewandowski misplaced the ball but found itself at the foot of Joao Felix who didn’t waste time before firing it to the goal with the keeper handing a touch at it to make it a corner for Barcelona. Barcelona were wasteful with their passes even though they had possession of the ball more, Porto were a team looking to go ahead first.
Barcelona suffered a set back and a major blow when star striker Robert Lewandowski was forced off with an injury as his left ankle was strained in the 33rd minute of the game after a bad challenge from Porto defender which made Ferran Torres to replace him and ended up scoring the only goal in the clash between Porto and Barcelona.
Barcelona goal came before the first half whistle was blown when Romario Baro misplaced his pass found Gundogan who didn’t waste time in finding and setting Ferran Torres on goal. The early substitute got the ball and wasted no time in finding the back of the net.
Into the second half and Porto came out more searching for a goal. Pepe had a crucial one on one chance against the German goalkeeper Ter Stegen but before he could place a shot, Kounde made a huge interception to force a corner kick. Wendell also found himself through on goal but his effort was saved by the Barcelona shot stopper.
Galeno also got a chance of his own when his curler from outside the box was pushed away by Ter Stegen who put up a great performance last night. Porto were awarded a penalty as Joao Cancelo use his hand to push the ball away from danger in the penalty box but the decision was overuled as VAR intervention and awarded Barcelona a free kick as the ball had first touched the hands of Porto striker. 3 minutes later and Porto had scored a beautiful equalizer through an overhead kick by Taremi but later found out to be offside.
Barcelona still ahead with 5 minutes to go in the dying minutes, Gavi picked up his second yellow card in the 92nd minute and Barcelona were left to finish the game with 10 men. Crucial results for Xavi Hernandez and his team as the sit comfortably with 6 points from 2 games as they search for their first Round of 16 qualification in 3 years.
PLAYERS RATING
1. TER STEGEN 8.5/10
Marc Ter Stegen currently is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he was called into action again as the Barcelona captain. He made series of saves to make sure Barcelona snatch all three points available. He put up a man of the match worthy performance.
2. JOAO CANCELO 7/10
Cancelo didn’t pose an attacking threat last night because Barcelona were defending a lot and didn’t look for more goals. They held their group and kept the clean sheet.
3. RONALD ARAUJO 7.6/10
Despite coming from injury, the Uruguayan international showed why he is one of the Barcelona captain with his leadership on and off the pitch. He put up a decent performance with his partnership with Kounde.
4. JULES KOUNDE 7.9/10
He made a crucial interception to deny Porto a goal and has been Barcelona best player & defender bar Frenkie De Jong this season. He had a great game and a good performance to show for it.
5. ALEJANDRO BALDE 7.6/10
He composed himself really well and understand what needed to be done at each point in time.
6. ORIOL ROMEU 6.5/10
As a single pivot, he suffered a lot and it was evidently clear tonight. Not a great performance from him.
7. PABLO GAVIRA 6.9/10
The golden boy winner suffered a red card in the dying minute of the game which spoilt his game report.
8. GUNDOGAN 7.6/10
He provided the assist for Ferran Torres and was the maestro controlling the midfield.
9. JOAO FELIX 6.9/10
Despite receiving booes from his former club, he kept his head high and played with ease. Had two crucial chances which was saved.
10. LAMINE YAMAL 7/10
The youngest player to ever start a Champions League game at the age of 16.
11. LEWANDOWSKI 6.4/10
His playing time on the field was cut short due to a heavy tackle that made him strain his left ankle.
12. FERRAN TORRES 7.6/10
He scored the only goal of the night in what appears to be a crucial tie.
13. FERMIN LOPEZ 6.5/10
14. SERGIO ROBERTO 6.1/10
15. MARCOS ALONSO 6.1/10
What are your thoughts concerning the game?