The real Joao Felix? Portuguese playmaker makes the difference as Blaugrana pick up points to maintain slim La Liga title hopes
Occasionally, a version of Joao Felix shows up; the one that bamboozles defences, creates chances and looks every bit the “next big thing” he was supposed to be. And he appeared here, scoring once, setting up countless other opportunities, and running the show as Barcelona edged Cadiz 1-0.
He opened the scoring for the Blaugrana, finding the bottom corner with an acrobatic volley. Fermin Lopez came within inches of doubling the Barca advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw his effort cleared off the line.
Cadiz came close to leveling things after the break, when Juanmi put the ball in the net – but saw his strike ruled out due to offside. Otherwise, though, it was Felix’s game, the Atletico Madrid loanee running the game, and cranking an effort of his own narrowly off the post.
Occasionally, a version of Joao Felix shows up; the one that bamboozles defences, creates chances and looks every bit the “next big thing” he was supposed to be. And he appeared here, scoring once, setting up countless other opportunities, and running the show as Barcelona edged Cadiz 1-0.
He opened the scoring for the Blaugrana, finding the bottom corner with an acrobatic volley. Fermin Lopez came within inches of doubling the Barca advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw his effort cleared off the line.
Cadiz came close to leveling things after the break, when Juanmi put the ball in the net – but saw his strike ruled out due to offside. Otherwise, though, it was Felix’s game, the Atletico Madrid loanee running the game, and cranking an effort of his own narrowly off the post.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen made one crucial stop late on – a full stretch lunge to keep out a speculative effort that seemed destined for the top corner. The Blaugrana were otherwise relatively secure, and their attention now turns to a crucial Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Some of his distribution was lacking, but he made the necessary saves – including one immense stop late in the second half.
Hector Fort (7/10):
A rare appearance from the youngster, who impressed despite being on his weaker foot. Showed enough to earn more minutes.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
One or two unsteady moments at the back, but had the pace to recover. A solid hour.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
Questionable to hand him the start, especially given his recent workload. Still, some of his passing was wonderful and he looked more than comfortable. What a talent.
Marcos Alonso (6/10):
Tidy at left-back in his first league start since September 2023. Good to see him get 90 minutes.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu (5/10):
Sat at the base of midfield, won some tackles, lost some others. Kept it simple in possession, ate up minutes. Job done. He’s little more than an agreeable backup.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Denied a goal by a fine piece of defensive work. Full of energy on and off the ball – although he could be more accurate in his passing.
Sergi Roberto (7/10):
A valuable veteran’s performance from the captain, who seemed gutted to pick up a suspension for the second leg of the Blaugrana’s Champions League fixture. Setup Felix well, and looked for the forward pass.
Attack
Ferran Torres (6/10):
A welcome return to the starting XI from “the shark.” Had a couple of half chances, worked hard and looked mostly sharp in a promising 90 minutes.
Vitor Roque (5/10):
Energetic through the middle as he looked to impress in his second La Liga start. Didn’t get the kind of service he needed to impress.
Joao Felix (8/10):
What a goal from the Portuguese! Probably the best player on the pitch, full of energy and creativity. Why doesn’t he do this more often?
Subs & Manager
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Given a chance to impress at centre-back. Did his work well.
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Bamboozled the defence with pace and trickery in his 30 minutes on the pitch.
Pedri (6/10):
Not a bad option off the bench. Played some thoroughly silly passes.
Raphinha (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Marc Casado (N/A):
No time to make an impact in his second La Liga appearance.
Xavi (7/10):
Rotated heavily with one eye on the second leg of the Champions League tie. Got a top-class performance out of Felix, though, which largely sealed things.