UEFA Champions League: FC Barcelona vs Benfica Player Ratings as the Blaugranas play out an uninspiring 0-0 draw

Barcelona played out a 0-0 draw against Benfica, and the second match of the Xavi-era has failed to bring out the desired result for the Catalan club. The result also means, that their chances of qualifying in the knockout stages of the Champions League depend on their result on the final match-day which is against German giants Bayern Munich

Barcelona are currently in the second position with 7 points from 5 matches, while Benfica sits third with 5 points. The Portuguese side will go through if they win their last match and Barcelona draw or suffer a defeat against Bayern Munich.

FC Barcelona Player Ratings

Marc-André ter Stegen- (6.5/10)- The German goalkeeper wasn’t called into action much, but pulled off a stunning stop to deny Yaremchuk’s headed effort. However, his distribution left a lot to be desired off as he gave away the ball far too often.

Clément Lenglet- (6/10)- He was the weakest of the Blaugrana centre backs and looked off the pace while dealing with the likes of Everton and Rafa Silva.

Gerard Piqué- (7/10)- Pique struggled to deal with the physical presence of Yaremchuk and received a yellow card early on in the second half for a tug on his shirt.

Jordi Alba (6.5/10)- Made a number of impressive runs down the left flank, and had a great chance to score which he failed to find the back of the net.

Ronald Araújo- (7.5/10)- Araujo was the best of the defenders for Barcelona yet again, as he hardly looked out of position and dealt with every danger which came his way. He scored late on, but it was ruled out for offside.

Sergio Busquets- (7.5/10)- The midfield general for Barcelona did well to pick out the right passes throughout the match. He also covered in defence whenever required.

Frenkie de Jong- (6.5/10)- After an impressive start to the game, the Dutch midfielder seemed to fade as the match went on.

Nicolas Gonzalez- (7/10)- Showed his physical presence in midfield, as he served as the main ball carrier from the Barcelona half.

Memphis Depay (6.5/10)- – The Dutch striker was caught offside far too often. He could not deal with the physical presence of the Benfica defenders and hardly had any threat on goal.

Gavi- (7/10)- A tenacious performance from the teenage midfielder, who always looked hungry to win the ball away whenever the opposition were in possession.

Yusuf Demir- (7/10)- He was the brightest spot in attack for Barcelona, showing his tricks down the right flank, striking the post twice in the first half.

Substitutes

Dembele- (7/10)- Injected pace into Barcelona’s attacking play after coming on at the hour mark. he ran at the Benfica defenders but wasn’t able to create the much-needed goal.

Dest- NA

Eric Garcia- NA

Benfica Player Ratings

Odisseas Vlachodimos-(7.5/10)- The shot-stopper had a good game in between the sticks, commanding his goal well. He made three impressive saves.

Nicolás Otamendi- (7.5/10)- The Argentinian centre back had a brilliant game, as he hardly allowed Depay any space inside the box. He was robust in his tackles winning 3 of them.

Jan Vertonghen- (7/10)- Vertonghen rolled back the years with his assured performance. He carried the ball out from defence with purpose on occasions forming a great partnership with Otamendi.

André Almeida- (7/10)- The right-back found it hard to deal with Jordi Alba but was good in attack.

João Mário- (6.5/10)- The veteran Portuguese midfielder put in a great shift, controlling and pulling the strings from the middle of the park. However, he talked himself into a booking and was substituted minutes later.

Julian Weigl- (6.5/10)- Weigl did not look his usual self in midfield, giving away possession on a number of occasions. However, he was good in defensive transitions.

Alejandro Grimaldo- (6.5/10)- The left wing-back was good offensively, but struggled to deal with the guile and trickery of Demir. He also earned a yellow card for a foul on the youngster in the first half.

Gilberto- (7/10)- Gilberto put in the hard yards, down the right flank and later defended heroically in the second half matching toe to toe with Jordi Alba.

Roman Yaremchuk- (6.5/10)- The towering striker performed his role to perfection, holding the ball well for his side, and earning freekicks as well. He had a great chance to score from a header but struck it straight at the goalkeeper.

Everton- (7/10)- Everton was excellent in the first half, exploiting Lenglet’s weaknesses down the right.

Rafa (6.5/10)- – Rafa Silva was good in patches in attack, exchanging his position with Everton on the flanks.

Substitutes

Nunez- (6.5/10)- Showed his pace and willingness to run at the Barcelona defenders after coming on at the hour mark.

Pizzi- (6/10)- Held the ball up well and created a few good chances for Benfica towards the end of the match.

Lazaro-(7/10)– He did well to stick to his man on the left flank, and did not allow Dembele much space to cut on his left side after coming on.

Seferovic (5/10)- – A horror show for the Swiss striker, who missed a huge chance to score the winner in the final minute of the match.

Adel Taarabt-(6.5/10)- Earned a late yellow card for a elbow on Sergio Busquets.

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