5 Barcelona players who underperformed against Benfica | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

#3 Gavi

FC Barcelona v SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League

A name on the list which might divide opinion but Barcelona prodigy Gavi failed to keep up with his lofty standards. It might be too harsh on the 17-year-old. But he was unable to dislodge defensive barriers and unlock Benfica's organized backline with his caliber.

Gavi had hoped to be the creative outlet against Benfica but the defenders did not allow him to create an opening. The Spaniard had an extremely high work rate, with his runs and high press often causing trouble for Benfica.

Gavi's two shots did not hit the target, which gave a perfect representation of last night's clash. Nothing eventually went the youngster's way despite his energy and enthusiasm on the ball.

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#2 Jordi Alba

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has a reputation for being offensively astute, especially with his link-up play with former Blaugrana star Lionel Messi. However, the veteran defender was far from convincing against Benfica. He did not provide sufficient spark for the Catalan giants on either end.

Alba was operating more as an offensive wing-back than a defensive full-back last night. The Spaniard did force a save from the Benfica goalkeeper in the first-half, which remains his only highlight of the match. He is known for his breathtaking runs from the left but opposition defenders had an easy night against him.

Alba did not provide ample quality in a match where he was needed more for his offensive output. The 32-year-old operated mainly as a winger. But he failed to trouble Benfica's rigid defense and failed to make any noises in the final third.

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#1 Memphis Depay

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Barcelona winger Memphis Depay is certainly one of the best in the business. The Dutchman scored the solitary goal against Espanyol to ensure Blaugrana's victory in Xavi's first game in charge. However, he was extremely poor against Benfica and made life easy for opposition defenders last night.

Depay was expected to lead Barcelona's attack due to his exploits in La Liga. Unfortunately, he failed to live up to the billing and offered nothing in the final third except his link-up play. However, the forward did manage to create two chances but failed to time his passes right for conversion.

It goes without saying that Depay had a disappointing night, failing to break the opposition's defensive structure. He takes top spot among the poor performers against Benfica on the fifth matchday of the Champions League.