Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Catalans survive scare to keep trophy hopes alive

Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Catalans survive scare to keep trophy hopes alive | Copa del Rey 2020-21

By Aditya Hosangadi

Modified Jan 27, 2021 23:05 GMT

Barcelona edged Rayo Vallecano to a victory

Barcelona Player Ratings

Barcelona struggled against Rayo Vallecano

Neto - 5/10

Barcelona's second-choice shot-stopper Neto had very little to do in the first half and was a mere spectator. The Brazilian got a hand to the ball in the build-up to Rayo Vallecano's goal and needs to take it up a notch with the Catalan giants.

Ronald Araujo - 7.5/10

Ronald Araujo had an excellent game and was Barcelona's best defender on the night. The Uruguayan centre-back used his pace to nullify Rayo Vallecano's counter-attacks and is chipped in with a few crucial interventions.

Clement Lenglet - 4/10

Clement Lenglet's place in Barcelona's starting eleven has been severely questioned in recent weeks and the Frenchman did himself no favours with an embarrassing lack of pace against Alvaro Garcia.

Oscar Mingueza - 4/10

Oscar Mingueza was reliable in his own half but is visibly out of his depth on the right flank. The La Masia graduate wasted several opportunities with his misdirected crosses and has plenty of work to do to remain a regular member of the side.

🔥 ＨＩＧＨＬＩＧＨＴＳ 🔥🏆 Rayo 1-2 Barça ⚽ Messi y @dejongfrenkie21
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 27, 2021

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Junior Firpo - 5.5/10

Junior Firpo created Barcelona's first two chances of the game and troubled Rayo Vallecano with his low crosses. The Spanish left-back's influence faded as the game progressed, however, and Firpo did himself no favours with some misplaced passes.

Sergio Busquets - 6/10

Sergio Busquets looked a shade off his best form and was unable to move the ball forward regularly in the first half. The veteran midfielder played the full match and might be given a rest in this weekend's La Liga fixture.

Frenkie de Jong - 8/10

Frenkie de Jong was Barcelona's saviour yet again and is developing excellent new habits under Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman scythed through Rayo Vallecano's defence for Barcelona's first goal before bursting into the penalty area to score the decisive second.

Riqui Puig - 6.5/10

Riqui Puig was one of Barcelona's more penetrative players in the first half and was unlucky not to score his second goal for the club. The La Masia youngster was accurate with his passing but was unable to break the deadlock against a stubborn Rayo Vallecano outfit.

De Jong's incredible form continues! 🔥Rayo 1-2 Barcelona pic.twitter.com/OSIPDdoipq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 27, 2021

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Francisco Trincao - 6/10

Francisco Trincao had a bright first half and was denied his first goal in Barcelona colours by a good save from the Rayo Vallecano shot-stopper. The Portuguese winger was rendered ineffective in the second half and was replaced by Ousmane Dembele.

Lionel Messi - 6.5/10

Lionel Messi was visibly below his electrifying best against Rayo Vallecano and was unusually quiet in the first half. The Argentine did score Barcelona's equaliser and created the Catalans' second goal but should have scored another goal towards the end of the game.

Antoine Griezmann - 6.5/10

Antoine Griezmann worked hard in the final third but was unable to pose a threat in the first half. The French forward showed exceptional awareness to curve his run for the first goal and improved in the final minutes of the match.

Substitutes

Jordi Alba - 7/10

Jordi Alba made an instant impact on the game and his pace and guile made a massive difference for Barcelona. The Catalan defender picked up an assist for the all-important second goal and remains Barcelona's first-choice left-back.

Pedri - 6.5/10

Pedri replaced Riqui Puig in the second half and his freshness helped revive Barcelona's midfield. The youngster could have bagged an assist towards the end of the match and has a positive outing.