FC Barcelona finally return to winning ways with a massively important win in the UEFA Champions League. Against French side Brest, Hansi Flick’s team made sure to show their best version again. With this victory, Barcelona now have a lot more breathing room in the initial phase of the UEFA Champions League.
A sensational 3-0 win that saw La Blaugrana waste a lot of chances but also create a lot of promising moments for themselves. Ultimately, a brace from Robert Lewandowski and a goal from Dani Olmo were enough to see Barcelona come away with all three points.
Here are the player ratings for Hansi Flick’s team.
Player Ratings:
Inaki Pena: 6.5
Yet another classy performance from the Spanish goalkeeper, as Inaki Pena managed to keep a clean sheet. Always seemed to be at the right place at the right time when it came to defending the space behind his backline, and it helped ease the pressure from the team on several occasions. Did not have much to do in terms of saves, however.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
While he did not make any fatal errors this time around, Jules Kounde was still arguably the most sluggish component within the Barcelona backline. On several occasions, he was seen struggling to deal with the Brest pressure that came his way.
Pau Cubarsi: 8.5
Extremely solid at the back and was always comfortable whenever the ball came at his feet. Alongside Inigo Martinez, it was rather hard to tell if either of them was anything but a veteran of the game. From his reading of the game to his distribution and defensive contributions, Pau Cubarsi was great from start to finish.
Inigo Martinez: 7.5
The experienced centre-back was once again at the top of his game. Managed to constantly put pressure on the opposition forwards and never let them have a moment of peace whenever they tried to attack the Barcelona goal. His distribution was also commendable.
Gerard Martin: 8.0
Arguably his best performance yet for Barcelona, Gerard Martin was much more comfortable on the ball and was quick in terms of his decision making. While he definitely was a bit conservative at times with his actions, he still had a decent outing for La Blaugrana. Managed to also get an assist for Dani Olmo’s goal.
Marc Casado: 7.5
An engine that never stopped running for Barcelona from the first minute to the last one, Marc Casado put his body on the line for this game. Perhaps knowing that he will not be able to participate in the next La Liga outing, the young Spaniard make sure to make the most of this appearance by making tackles and interceptions that allowed Barça to turn things in their favor.
Pedri: 9.0
Magical with almost every touch, Pedri left no opportunity for Brest to take the ball away from him. Created chance after chance, and it was clear to see just how impactful he was in this match. It was a brilliant lob from him that also ended up winning Barcelona a penalty that allowed Robert Lewandowski to open the scoring. Rightfully came off to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Raphinha: 7.5
The man who made sure that the Barcelona system functioned as properly as it did, Raphinha was the best form of pressure that Hansi Flick’s team ended up relying on. However, he should have done better when he had possession near the opposition goal.
Fermin Lopez: 7.0
While it is important to note that Fermin Lopez was constantly arriving in promising positions and his intensity was vitally important for Barcelona in terms of putting the pressure on Brest, he was also extremely wasteful with the great chances that came his way.
Dani Olmo: 8.0
Initially, it seemed to prove rather difficult for Dani Olmo to make a significant impact on the game. However, as the game went on, his influence on proceedings ended up improving as well. Just before he came off, he also managed to score a wonderful individual goal that gave Barcelona the extra breathing room they needed.
Robert Lewandowski: 9.5
Managed to get his 100th and 101st UCL goals that now put him in a rather special place in terms of the competition’s best goal scorers. Apart from that, Robert Lewandowski was quite unselfish in this game and tried to set up his teammates on several occasions. Moreover, his hold-up play was commendable as well. Added another goal near the end of the game as well to get his brace.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 01: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 01, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 06, 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick with club director Deco planning for the 2024-2025 season.
Substitutes:
Gavi: 7.0
He was exactly the kind of addition that Barcelona needed in the game to control the tempo better and regulate proceedings. Great outing from him.
Alejandro Balde: 7.0
Managed to get an assist by providing the pass for Robert Lewandowski’s brace near the end of the game in additional time.
Pablo Torre: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.
Frenkie de Jong: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.