• BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Didn’t have much to do apart from picking the ball out of his goal in the 62nd minute. AFP
    Marc-Andre ter Stegen 6/10
    BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Didn’t have much to do apart from picking the ball out of his goal in the 62nd minute. AFP
    BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Didn’t have much to do apart from picking the ball out of his goal in the 62nd minute. AFP
  • Displayed an attacker's instinct to get past Matvienko, but his shot was too weak to beat Riznyk from close range in the 24th minute. Pressed high up the pitch and got caught out of position in the build-up to Sudakov’s goal. EPA
    Joao Cancelo 5/10
    Displayed an attacker's instinct to get past Matvienko, but his shot was too weak to beat Riznyk from close range in the 24th minute. Pressed high up the pitch and got caught out of position in the build-up to Sudakov’s goal. EPA
    Displayed an attacker's instinct to get past Matvienko, but his shot was too weak to beat Riznyk from close range in the 24th minute. Pressed high up the pitch and got caught out of position in the bu
  • In a game where Barcelona completely dominated, one would expect Alonso to play a huge part in the final third. However, the Spain international struggled with his passes and failed to beat his man on numerous occasions. AFP
    Marcos Alonso 6/10
    In a game where Barcelona completely dominated, one would expect Alonso to play a huge part in the final third. However, the Spain international struggled with his passes and failed to beat his man on numerous occasions. AFP
    In a game where Barcelona completely dominated, one would expect Alonso to play a huge part in the final third. However, the Spain international struggled with his passes and failed to beat his man on
  • A fairly comfortable outing for Araujo. Wasn’t tested in defence and looked threatening when he went forward to attack set pieces. AP
    Ronald Araujo 6/10
    A fairly comfortable outing for Araujo. Wasn’t tested in defence and looked threatening when he went forward to attack set pieces. AP
    A fairly comfortable outing for Araujo. Wasn’t tested in defence and looked threatening when he went forward to attack set pieces. AP
  • Looked rusty in possession and wasn’t as solid as Araujo. Failed to get close to Sudakov quickly enough in the build-up to the away side’s goal. AFP
    Inigo Martinez 5/10
    Looked rusty in possession and wasn’t as solid as Araujo. Failed to get close to Sudakov quickly enough in the build-up to the away side’s goal. AFP
    Looked rusty in possession and wasn’t as solid as Araujo. Failed to get close to Sudakov quickly enough in the build-up to the away side’s goal. AFP
  • Claimed the assist for the opener after his shot came off the post and into the path of Ferran Torres to hit home. Doubled Barcelona’s lead with a ferocious effort that cannoned off the post and into net in the 36th minute. Saw another effort come back off the post for the second time in the game in the 68th minute. EPA
    Fermin Lopez 9/10
    Claimed the assist for the opener after his shot came off the post and into the path of Ferran Torres to hit home. Doubled Barcelona’s lead with a ferocious effort that cannoned off the post and into net in the 36th minute. Saw another effort come back off the post for the second time in the game in the 68th minute. EPA
    Claimed the assist for the opener after his shot came off the post and into the path of Ferran Torres to hit home. Doubled Barcelona’s lead with a ferocious effort that cannoned off the post and into
  • A busy outing for the combative Romeu in front of the home side’s backline. Did well to smother several counterattacks but was unlucky to play Azarov onside in the build to Sudakov’s goal. Won the ball back and played Fermin through on goal in the seventh minute. Reuters
    Oriol Romeu 6/10
    A busy outing for the combative Romeu in front of the home side’s backline. Did well to smother several counterattacks but was unlucky to play Azarov onside in the build to Sudakov’s goal. Won the ball back and played Fermin through on goal in the seventh minute. Reuters
    A busy outing for the combative Romeu in front of the home side’s backline. Did well to smother several counterattacks but was unlucky to play Azarov onside in the build to Sudakov’s goal. Won the bal
  • One of Barcelona’s best players on the night. His passing was a joy to behold, and he helped relieve pressure with his ball-retention skills late in the game. Began the move that led to the opener by pinging a pass behind the away side’s backline for Fermin Lopez. AFP
    Ilkay Gundogan 8/10
    One of Barcelona’s best players on the night. His passing was a joy to behold, and he helped relieve pressure with his ball-retention skills late in the game. Began the move that led to the opener by pinging a pass behind the away side’s backline for Fermin Lopez. AFP
    One of Barcelona’s best players on the night. His passing was a joy to behold, and he helped relieve pressure with his ball-retention skills late in the game. Began the move that led to the opener by
  • Another eye-catching display from the 16-year-old on a Champions League night. Found in space on several occasions and caused plenty of problems for Azarov, but his finishing and crosses were poor. AFP
    Lamine Yamal 6/10
    Another eye-catching display from the 16-year-old on a Champions League night. Found in space on several occasions and caused plenty of problems for Azarov, but his finishing and crosses were poor. AFP
    Another eye-catching display from the 16-year-old on a Champions League night. Found in space on several occasions and caused plenty of problems for Azarov, but his finishing and crosses were poor. AF
  • Not the best of games for Felix, who was sloppy in possession and wasn’t at his sharpest in the penalty area. Forced Riznyk into a huge save with a flying header in the 49th minute. AFP
    Joao Felix 6/10
    Not the best of games for Felix, who was sloppy in possession and wasn’t at his sharpest in the penalty area. Forced Riznyk into a huge save with a flying header in the 49th minute. AFP
    Not the best of games for Felix, who was sloppy in possession and wasn’t at his sharpest in the penalty area. Forced Riznyk into a huge save with a flying header in the 49th minute. AFP
  • Put the home side in front with a volley that left Riznyk rooted to the spot. Goalscorer turned provider for the second goal as he played Lopez through to make it two. EPA
    Ferran Torres 8/10
    Put the home side in front with a volley that left Riznyk rooted to the spot. Goalscorer turned provider for the second goal as he played Lopez through to make it two. EPA
    Put the home side in front with a volley that left Riznyk rooted to the spot. Goalscorer turned provider for the second goal as he played Lopez through to make it two. EPA
  • SUBSl (Alonso, 71) Picked up a yellow card four minutes after coming on. Provided greater cover in defence after coming on and did well in attack. AFP
    Alejandro Balde N/A
    SUBSl (Alonso, 71) Picked up a yellow card four minutes after coming on. Provided greater cover in defence after coming on and did well in attack. AFP
    SUBSl (Alonso, 71) Picked up a yellow card four minutes after coming on. Provided greater cover in defence after coming on and did well in attack. AFP
  • (Felix, 75) Combined well with teammates in attack after coming on but didn't have a chance to make it two goals in two games for Barca. AFP
    Marc Guiu N/A
    (Felix, 75) Combined well with teammates in attack after coming on but didn't have a chance to make it two goals in two games for Barca. AFP
    (Felix, 75) Combined well with teammates in attack after coming on but didn't have a chance to make it two goals in two games for Barca. AFP
  • (Martinez, 82) Brought on to add solidity to the backline, Christensen defended well and helped secure the three points for the home side; Marc Casado (Fermin, 82) N/A. Didn’t really do much after coming on. EPA
    Andreas Christensen N/A
    (Martinez, 82) Brought on to add solidity to the backline, Christensen defended well and helped secure the three points for the home side; Marc Casado (Fermin, 82) N/A. Didn’t really do much after coming on. EPA
    (Martinez, 82) Brought on to add solidity to the backline, Christensen defended well and helped secure the three points for the home side; Marc Casado (Fermin, 82) N/A. Didn’t really do much after com
  • SHAKHTAR PLAYER RATINGS: Made a fantastic save to keep out Joao Felix’s diving header just after the restart. Almost gifted Barcelona a third goal when he fumbled a weak cross from Alonso in the path of Ferran Torres. EPA
    Dmytro Riznyk 6/10
    SHAKHTAR PLAYER RATINGS: Made a fantastic save to keep out Joao Felix’s diving header just after the restart. Almost gifted Barcelona a third goal when he fumbled a weak cross from Alonso in the path of Ferran Torres. EPA
    SHAKHTAR PLAYER RATINGS: Made a fantastic save to keep out Joao Felix’s diving header just after the restart. Almost gifted Barcelona a third goal when he fumbled a weak cross from Alonso in the path
  • Failed to step up alongside his teammates and played Fermin Lopez onside in the build-up to Barcelona’s opener. Atoned for his error by assisting Sudakov’s goal with a well-weighted pass behind the Barcelona backline. AP
    Irakli Azarov 6/10
    Failed to step up alongside his teammates and played Fermin Lopez onside in the build-up to Barcelona’s opener. Atoned for his error by assisting Sudakov’s goal with a well-weighted pass behind the Barcelona backline. AP
    Failed to step up alongside his teammates and played Fermin Lopez onside in the build-up to Barcelona’s opener. Atoned for his error by assisting Sudakov’s goal with a well-weighted pass behind the Ba
  • Lost possession on the edge of his penalty area and almost gifted Barca an early goal. Created Shakhtar's best chance of the game with a beautiful cross across the face of goal, which wasn’t utilised by his teammates. EPA
    Yukhym Konoplya 6/10
    Lost possession on the edge of his penalty area and almost gifted Barca an early goal. Created Shakhtar's best chance of the game with a beautiful cross across the face of goal, which wasn’t utilised by his teammates. EPA
    Lost possession on the edge of his penalty area and almost gifted Barca an early goal. Created Shakhtar's best chance of the game with a beautiful cross across the face of goal, which wasn’t utilised
  • A solid outing from Bondar against Barcelona's fleet-footed attackers. The centre-back made several blocks in the second half as Barcelona tried to get a third goal to kill the game. Intelligent foul to stop Torres from running through on goal late in the game. AFP
    Valerii Bondar 7/10
    A solid outing from Bondar against Barcelona's fleet-footed attackers. The centre-back made several blocks in the second half as Barcelona tried to get a third goal to kill the game. Intelligent foul to stop Torres from running through on goal late in the game. AFP
    A solid outing from Bondar against Barcelona's fleet-footed attackers. The centre-back made several blocks in the second half as Barcelona tried to get a third goal to kill the game. Intelligent foul
  • A solid outing from the impressive Matvienko. Stopped Gundogan from putting Barcelona in front with a last-ditch interception in the fifth minute. Made several blocks and tackles in the game. AFP
    Mykola Matvienko 7/10
    A solid outing from the impressive Matvienko. Stopped Gundogan from putting Barcelona in front with a last-ditch interception in the fifth minute. Made several blocks and tackles in the game. AFP
    A solid outing from the impressive Matvienko. Stopped Gundogan from putting Barcelona in front with a last-ditch interception in the fifth minute. Made several blocks and tackles in the game. AFP
  • Tasked with the difficult job of shielding the backline, Stepanenko struggled against the home side’s well-drilled midfield. Got close to making it 2-2 with a first-time effort that just went past Ter Stegen’s goal in the 81st minute. AFP
    Taras Stepanenko 5/10
    Tasked with the difficult job of shielding the backline, Stepanenko struggled against the home side’s well-drilled midfield. Got close to making it 2-2 with a first-time effort that just went past Ter Stegen’s goal in the 81st minute. AFP
    Tasked with the difficult job of shielding the backline, Stepanenko struggled against the home side’s well-drilled midfield. Got close to making it 2-2 with a first-time effort that just went past Ter
  • Disappointing game from Kryskiv on the right side of Shakhtar's attack. Ran into trouble and failed to beat Cancelo when he was found in space on the stroke of halftime. EPA
    Dmytro Kryskiv 4/10
    Disappointing game from Kryskiv on the right side of Shakhtar's attack. Ran into trouble and failed to beat Cancelo when he was found in space on the stroke of halftime. EPA
    Disappointing game from Kryskiv on the right side of Shakhtar's attack. Ran into trouble and failed to beat Cancelo when he was found in space on the stroke of halftime. EPA
  • An encouraging display from the midfielder whose late runs into the penalty area caused Barcelona problems. Had Shakhtar's first shot on target with a deflected effort in the 12th minute. EPA
    Oleksandr Zubkov 6/10
    An encouraging display from the midfielder whose late runs into the penalty area caused Barcelona problems. Had Shakhtar's first shot on target with a deflected effort in the 12th minute. EPA
    An encouraging display from the midfielder whose late runs into the penalty area caused Barcelona problems. Had Shakhtar's first shot on target with a deflected effort in the 12th minute. EPA
  • Struggled to assert himself in attack and resorted to doing defensive work for the team. Tracked back well to stop Ferran Torres from making it three with a last-ditch sliding challenge in the 39th minute. Getty
    Artem Bondarenko 6/10
    Struggled to assert himself in attack and resorted to doing defensive work for the team. Tracked back well to stop Ferran Torres from making it three with a last-ditch sliding challenge in the 39th minute. Getty
    Struggled to assert himself in attack and resorted to doing defensive work for the team. Tracked back well to stop Ferran Torres from making it three with a last-ditch sliding challenge in the 39th mi
  • Tried to have a go at Ter Stegen in the 16th minute, but his shot was well blocked by Araujo. Crowned a blistering counterattack with a brilliant finish to bring the visitors back into the game. AFP
    Georgiy Sudakov 7/10
    Tried to have a go at Ter Stegen in the 16th minute, but his shot was well blocked by Araujo. Crowned a blistering counterattack with a brilliant finish to bring the visitors back into the game. AFP
    Tried to have a go at Ter Stegen in the 16th minute, but his shot was well blocked by Araujo. Crowned a blistering counterattack with a brilliant finish to bring the visitors back into the game. AFP
  • An ineffective display from the centre forward during which he failed to trouble the home side’s centrebacks or test Ter Stegen in goal. Getty
    Danylo Sikan 4/10
    An ineffective display from the centre forward during which he failed to trouble the home side’s centrebacks or test Ter Stegen in goal. Getty
    An ineffective display from the centre forward during which he failed to trouble the home side’s centrebacks or test Ter Stegen in goal. Getty
  • SUBS: (Kryskiv, 63) Had a go from long range in the 75th minute, but his effort went straight into the stands. Provided a huge spark for Shakhtar's attack and caused plenty of problems for Cancelo after coming on. AFP
    Newerton 6/10
    SUBS: (Kryskiv, 63) Had a go from long range in the 75th minute, but his effort went straight into the stands. Provided a huge spark for Shakhtar's attack and caused plenty of problems for Cancelo after coming on. AFP
    SUBS: (Kryskiv, 63) Had a go from long range in the 75th minute, but his effort went straight into the stands. Provided a huge spark for Shakhtar's attack and caused plenty of problems for Cancelo aft
  • (Sikan, 71) Looked more lively than the ineffective Sikan and had a couple of half chances to make the difference but failed to trouble Ter Stegen in Barcelona’s goal. AFP
    Kevin Kelsy N/A
    (Sikan, 71) Looked more lively than the ineffective Sikan and had a couple of half chances to make the difference but failed to trouble Ter Stegen in Barcelona’s goal. AFP
    (Sikan, 71) Looked more lively than the ineffective Sikan and had a couple of half chances to make the difference but failed to trouble Ter Stegen in Barcelona’s goal. AFP
  • (Stepanenko, 90) Came on too late to make an impact. AFP
    Eguinaldo N/A
    (Stepanenko, 90) Came on too late to make an impact. AFP
    (Stepanenko, 90) Came on too late to make an impact. AFP

Barcelona v Shakhtar player ratings: Lopez 9, Gundogan 8; Sudakov 7, Kryskiv 4


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First-half goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez helped Barcelona secure a 2-1 home win against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League Group H tie on Wednesday night.

Barca dominated from the start despite missing several key players due to injury and suspensions, and they opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a Torres volley from a rebound after 20-year-old Lopez's strike from close range smashed into the right post.

The goal was initially ruled out for a hint of an offside in the build-up, but a VAR check confirmed that Lopez was onside when he struck from inside the box.

Without the injured Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie De Jong, Jules Kounde and Pedri, and with midfielder Gavi suspended for a red card in their win against Porto, Barca manager Xavi Hernandez called up eight academy players including Lopez, who is becoming a regular in the first team.

He caused all kinds of trouble for Shakhtar and extended Barca's lead in the 36th, unleashing a thunderous shot that ricocheted off the left post on its way in.

Barca then missed several chances to stretch their lead, with Lopez hitting the post twice more and having two goals ruled out by VAR for tight offsides.

Shakhtar midfielder Georgiy Sudakov stroked in a tidy finish from a counterattack in the 62nd minute to narrow the deficit, but Barcelona held on despite late pressure to secure their third win in three games.

Barca are top on nine points, six ahead of Porto, who have a game in hand and later on Wednesday visit bottom side Antwerp, with the Belgians yet to earn a point. Shakhtar are in third place on three points.

Check out the gallery above for the player ratings from Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.

Updated: October 26, 2023, 6:30 AM