da spicy bet: The ex-Man City midfielder had a hand in two goals in his side's best performance in weeks – but the sending off for Barca's young forward was crazy
da cassino online: Ilkay Gundogan turned in a masterful performance in centre-midfield, scoring one and assisting another, while Vitor Roque endured a puzzling cameo off the bench in a bizarre 3-1 win for Barcelona. The Blaugrana saw their teenage star signing come on to add a third goal before being unfairly sent off to cap a mad evening.
Barca took the lead after 23 minutes – much against the run of play. Ilkay Gundogan threaded a pass through to Robert Lewandowski, who lifted an effort over the sprawling Antonio Sivera. The home side came close to an equaliser shortly after, but Inaki Pena stopped Jon Guridi's free header.
Xavi's side doubled their advantage after the break, Gundogan completing a well-constructed move with a clever volley at the far post, before Alaves clawed their way back into the game just two minutes later, when Samu wrong-footed Pena with a fine header.
But the introduction of Vitor Roque changed things. The Brazilian scored within minutes of coming on, tucking a fine finish away to establish a 3-1 lead, before his evening ended prematurely, with the Brazilian handed an inexplicably harsh second booking.
The Blaugrana were under pressure for the minutes that remained, but managed to survive a late Alaves onslaught. Indeed, a young Barca side got the job done – which at least offers a thin veil of excitement for the future, despite Xavi's pending exit.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Mendizorroza…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
Made a remarkable stop to keep Jon Guridi out. Could do little to deny Samu's header finding the net.
Jules Kounde (5/10):
Another slightly poor performance. Outdone in a couple of foot races, bypassed on several occasions.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Won his headers, put in a few timely tackles, and was perennially composed. Lost Samu to allow the home team back in it, though.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Tidy and confident at the back for long periods. But he was skinned for the Alaves goal. Impressive, even if he is still learning.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Left loads of space defensively, and didn't provide his usual creative threat. He didn't look entirely fit and was taken off at half-time.
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Andreas Christensen (6/10):
An uneven display in a defensive midfield role where he has succeeded before. Tidy without being particularly exciting.
Frenkie de Jong (8/10):
Not really impactful in the 4-3-3, but excellent once Barca switched to a four-man midfield. A class act, in the end.
Pedri (7/10):
Silky on the ball, provided a lovely pass for Gundogan's goal. Started as a false left winger, looked far more comfortable when switched to an attacking midfield role.
Ilkay Gundogan (8/10):
Set up the first, scored the second. Broke the lines with some lovely runs. A truly masterful performance. He now has a career-high in assists. Removed with a knock.
GettyAttack
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Another impressive showing from the dazzling winger. Dribbled fearlessly, ate up ground. Impactful, even when he doesn't score or assist.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10):
Took his goal wonderfully, and was involved in a compelling physical battle with the Alaves centre-backs. Didn't offer much beyond the opener.
GettySubs & Manager
Hector Fort (7/10):
Introduced for Cancelo at the break. Assisted Roque's goal to mark another promising showing.
Vitor Roque (6/10):
Earned himself some more minutes after a match-winning showing midweek. Made an immediate impact, tucking one into the bottom corner. Was then, somehow, sent off for an unjust second yellow.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Put in a shift without making too much of an impact. He's fallen out of favour in recent weeks.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
Late defensive solidity.
Inigo Martinez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Xavi (7/10):
Started in a 4-3-3, but Barca were much better once he switched to his preferred 4-4-2. The youngsters turned in fine showings – which he will be happy with. This was Barca's best performance in weeks, even if it wasn't totally convincing.