• BARCELONA RATINGS: Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7 - Back to keeping clean sheets after conceding two on Thursday. Effective, especially against Cadiz’s crosses and a side who’ve fought their way out of the relegation zone. Pushed a Chris Ramos toe-poke onto the post. EPA
    BARCELONA RATINGS: Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7 - Back to keeping clean sheets after conceding two on Thursday. Effective, especially against Cadiz’s crosses and a side who’ve fought their way out of the relegation zone. Pushed a Chris Ramos toe-poke onto the post. EPA
  • Jules Kounde 7 - Barça’s worst player against United when he played centrally, he was switched back to the right against a competitive Cadiz. Better. AP Photo
    Jules Kounde 7 - Barça’s worst player against United when he played centrally, he was switched back to the right against a competitive Cadiz. Better. AP Photo
  • Andreas Christensen 8 - He’s probably the best central defender in La Liga right now. Sub Ramos was a strong opponent for him, but the Dane defended well and pushed up high when his side attacked. EPA
    Andreas Christensen 8 - He’s probably the best central defender in La Liga right now. Sub Ramos was a strong opponent for him, but the Dane defended well and pushed up high when his side attacked. EPA
  • Eric Garcia 7 - With Araujo suspended, he enjoyed his first minutes in five games as Xavi changed his side between the two Manchester United matches. Cadiz played a high press and kept the Catalans alert throughout. EPA
    Eric Garcia 7 - With Araujo suspended, he enjoyed his first minutes in five games as Xavi changed his side between the two Manchester United matches. Cadiz played a high press and kept the Catalans alert throughout. EPA
  • Alejandro Balde 6 - Shot wide after 25 minutes with his unfavoured right foot. Whipped a cross to Raphinha on 83. AFP
    Alejandro Balde 6 - Shot wide after 25 minutes with his unfavoured right foot. Whipped a cross to Raphinha on 83. AFP
  • Sergi Roberto 8 - Captain for the night and put his side ahead on 43 minutes, hitting a shot through a crowded area. Set up the second. AFP
    Sergi Roberto 8 - Captain for the night and put his side ahead on 43 minutes, hitting a shot through a crowded area. Set up the second. AFP
  • Frenkie de Jong 7 - Mediocre against Manchester United, he played in a deeper role where Sergio Busquets is usually positioned. Received a yellow card for dangerous play after 66 minutes. Came off two minutes later to a standing ovation. AP Photo
    Frenkie de Jong 7 - Mediocre against Manchester United, he played in a deeper role where Sergio Busquets is usually positioned. Received a yellow card for dangerous play after 66 minutes. Came off two minutes later to a standing ovation. AP Photo
  • Gavi 8 - Twisted and turned his way forward. Fought for everything as he followed his manager’s instruction of playing between the lines. Will miss Barça’s next game - at Old Trafford on Thursday – and how he’ll be missed. Reuters
    Gavi 8 - Twisted and turned his way forward. Fought for everything as he followed his manager’s instruction of playing between the lines. Will miss Barça’s next game - at Old Trafford on Thursday – and how he’ll be missed. Reuters
  • Robert Lewandowski 7 - Headed a Torres cross after 43 minutes which rebounded back for Sergi Roberto’s goal. Scored the second two minutes later - his 15th league goal of the season – low and hard from 20 yards. Came off to applause on 73. AFP
    Robert Lewandowski 7 - Headed a Torres cross after 43 minutes which rebounded back for Sergi Roberto’s goal. Scored the second two minutes later - his 15th league goal of the season – low and hard from 20 yards. Came off to applause on 73. AFP
  • Ferran Torres 9 - First league start after the World Cup. Fast, tricky and dribbled – as if he’s been told to. Shot wide on 20 minutes with the best chance of the first half. Dribbled past three players before crossing to Lewandowksi before the first goal. His best game of the season. AFP
    Ferran Torres 9 - First league start after the World Cup. Fast, tricky and dribbled – as if he’s been told to. Shot wide on 20 minutes with the best chance of the first half. Dribbled past three players before crossing to Lewandowksi before the first goal. His best game of the season. AFP
  • Ansu Fati 5 - First start in five games and he failed to make an impact. Tried to break down Cadiz’s deep defending in the first half. Finally got a shot off on 84, just before he came off. AP Photo
    Ansu Fati 5 - First start in five games and he failed to make an impact. Tried to break down Cadiz’s deep defending in the first half. Finally got a shot off on 84, just before he came off. AP Photo
  • SUBS: Franck Kessie 6 - On for De Jong on 67 mins. Busy, but lacks the quality of other Barça midfielders. AP Photo
    SUBS: Franck Kessie 6 - On for De Jong on 67 mins. Busy, but lacks the quality of other Barça midfielders. AP Photo
  • Raphinha 6 - On for Lewandowski after 74 mins. A threat, as he was against United when he was upset to be brought off. Did little but could be a danger at Old Trafford. Getty Images
    Raphinha 6 - On for Lewandowski after 74 mins. A threat, as he was against United when he was upset to be brought off. Did little but could be a danger at Old Trafford. Getty Images
  • Angel Alarcon NA - On for Fati after 88 minutes. EPA
    Angel Alarcon NA - On for Fati after 88 minutes. EPA

Barcelona player ratings v Cadiz: Torres 9, Lewandowski 7, Fati 5


Andy Mitten
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Robert Lewandowski netted his 24th Barcelona goal to help the Catalans beat Cadiz 2-0 and restore their eight-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Champions Real Madrid's win at Osasuna the day before pulled them closer to Xavi's side, who had one eye on Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However an inspired Ferran Torres helped Sergi Roberto to break the deadlock and Lewandowski added a second to win the game and leave Cadiz, 17th, two points above the relegation zone.

The visitors had two goals disallowed and made Barcelona uncomfortable at times at Camp Nou but their victory rarely seemed in doubt.

Updated: February 20, 2023, 4:22 AM