FacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerPinterestEmailBarcelona overcame the poor pitch conditions in Valladolid to make it two out of two in La Liga. Dembele goal
Real Valladolid had a stoppage time equaliser ruled out by VAR as an Ousmane Dembele goal earned Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 win on a cut-up pitch at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.
Keko looked to have stolen a point for La Liga new boys Valladolid in the 92nd minute but it was chalked off for offside after being sent for video review.
Dembele had given Barca the lead earlier in the second half when he rifled home from close range following good work from Sergi Roberto.
The pitch in Valladolid was the major talking point, though. It had only been laid four days before the game and it caused problems for both teams on the night, visibly deteriorating as the match progressed.
Positives
Barca will be pleased on two counts. Firstly, Ernesto Valverde will have been satisfied to have picked up another three points, making it six from six so far this season. Secondly, the coach will be relieved that none of his players appeared to pick up any injuries despite playing on a pitch which Gerard Pique labelled a "disgrace".
Dembele's continued contribution was also another positive for the La Liga champions.
Negatives
It's difficult to make an assessment of how Barcelona are looking at this early stage of the season based on this game. The pitch played a huge factor in slowing them down but they certainly didn't look at their crisp best. Luis Suarez is still in need of a goal, too.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Valverde picked his strongest side in acknowledgement of the difficulties Saturday's match presented. He was right to do so and he was also right to bide his time before making any changes in the second half (although the shape did seem to shift from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1) as it was not an easy game to come into.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 -- A lot of the saves he had to make were straightforward but an early stop from Enes Unal was impressive.
DF Sergi Roberto, 6 -- A quiet game in general but he got to the byline to set up Dembele's goal with a fine cushioned header back into the box.
DF Gerard Pique, 5 -- There was some good defending (such as cutting out a great chance for Enes Unal) but he struggled with the conditions as the game progressed. Was booked for a block on Oscar Plano and a late slip almost let Valladolid in. You could tell the surface was on his mind as he started to go long with his passes.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 6 -- Didn't seem as panicked by the conditions as Pique, dealing well with the crosses and long balls which came in his direction.
DF Jordi Alba, 6 -- Some nice triangles with Philippe Coutinho and Dembele gave way to some good defending in the second half. Cleared a header at the far post to deny a certain Valladolid goal in the final 20 minutes.
MF Sergio Busquets, 7 -- Had a difficult task passing out on the patchy surface but did so well. Also made a good block as Valladolid threatened a late equaliser.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 -- Like Busquets, did well in difficult conditions. Almost scored with an overhit pass from 45 yards, too, with the ball landing on the roof of net.
Ousmane Dembele has been Barcelona's brightest light so far with two goals in three games over all competitions. Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
MF Philippe Coutinho, 6 -- Making his first start of the season, the Brazilian had some nice moments, although they fizzled out in the second half. Before then, there was a brilliant outside-of-the-boot pass to create a chance for Suarez and a shot which Jordi Masip tipped wide.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 8 -- Barca's biggest threat and it was no surprise to see him grab the winning goal. His pace, change of direction and the use of both feet caused problems all night for the home defenders. Had already come close from distance before taking his goal well in the second half. Still needs to work on his final third efficiency but he's getting there.
FW Lionel Messi, 6 -- One of Messi's more low-key performances. Tried to orchestrate the proceedings but the pitch didn't help and he gave the ball away more than usual. There was still an array of fine passing, including one special ball to Dembele, who should have set Suarez up. Sent his best chance over the bar via a free kick.
FW Luis Suarez, 5 -- Valverde says Suarez is still getting up to speed after a short preseason and this was another off-the-pace performance from the Uruguayan. Did have the ball in the net late on, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Substitutes
MF Arturo Vidal, N/R -- Came on late on in place of Dembele as Barcelona shut up shop.
FW Malcom, N/R -- Had a chance to make it 2-0 but shot straight at former Barca keeper Masip.
FW Munir, N/R -- Replaced Suarez in stoppage time.