The Pole scored twice as Hansi Flick's side eased to their first European victory of the campaign in Catalunya
After a dismal weekend result that saw them beaten 4-2 by Osasuna, Barcelona side came into their Champions League clash with Young Boys on Tuesday desperate to prove a point. Some absolutely beautiful football followed, as Barca's attack dovetailed to devastating effect against their Swiss opponents and secured a 5-0 win.
Barcelona had the lead within eight minutes, as Robert Lewandowski ghosted in at the back post to tap in a cross-cum-shot from Raphinha. The Brazilian then added a second himself, finishing after Pedri's shot was blocked.
Pedri soon turned provider, sending an excellent free-kick into the area, which was headed in by Inigo Martinez. And just five minutes after the restart, Barca extended their lead after Martinez met a Raphinha corner with a diving header back across goal for Lewandowski, who tapped in.
The Blaugrana added a fifth late on, as Alejandro Balde's cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Mohamed Camara.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
Didn't have a save to make.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Fired an effort just over as he poured forward regularly. Wasn't ever tested defensively, but added a dimension to Barca's attack.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
A monster in the air. Barely gives the ball away. He's 17 and plays like he's 15 years older. Subbed in the second half.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Scored Barcelona's third, powering a header home from a precise Pedri free-kick. Never really stretched by the Young Boys attack; they couldn't get the ball.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
So adventurous in possession. His cross was turned in by Camara for Barca's fifth.
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Pedri (8/10):
His blocked shot was finished by Raphinha for 2-0 before he laid on the third for Martinez. Glorious in midfield, dictating the tempo, beating players and splitting the defence; Young Boys couldn't get near him.
Marc Casado (6/10):
Swept up whenever he needed to. Not as showy as Pedri, but provides the base from which he can thrive.
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Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Fine through ball to Raphinha led to the Brazilian's his assist for Lewandowski. A dazzling dribbler, to the point that Young Boys had to foul him to stop him. Didn't score, but everything else was excellent.
Raphinha (8/10):
Set up Lewandowski's opener with a great ball and scored the second, firing home after some brave Young Boys defending. Even at 5-0, he pressed with genuine intensity. He is fast becoming one of Barcelona's most important players.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Two outstanding poacher's finishes, becoming only the second man in Champions League history to score 50 goals after his 30th birthday, after Cristiano Ronaldo. Subbed before he could complete his hat-trick.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Kept going at Young Boys whenever he had the opportunity. Twice denied and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet.
AFPSubs & Manager
Ansu Fati (6/10):
On for Pedri. Barca were simply knocking it around when he came on so he hardly affected the game.
Hector Fort (6/10):
Replaced Cubarsi. Slotted in and kept Barcelona solid.
Frenkie De Jong (6/10):
Made his first appearance of the season after injury when replacing Yamal. Helped Barca see it out.
Pau Victor (6/10):
On for Lewandowski. Didn't have a chance to shoot.
Andres Cuenca (N/A):
On for Martinez late on.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Got this pretty much spot on. A strong XI, plenty of rotation as the game continued, and a worthy response to Barca's 4-2 defeat to Osasuna. An excellent night's work.
