Match Attendance: 74,418       

Who Was Man Of The Match? Memphis Depay

Xavi begins his reign in Barcelona with a team struggling in many departments, from finance to the team mentality. The Catalan’s side have had their worse start in La Liga in twenty years and are unlikely to sign any new players in the upcoming transfer window due to their financial crisis.

However, there seems to be a slight hope at the end of the tunnel as Xavi’s men returned to La Liga after the international break. In the Catalan derby against Espanyol this weekend, Sergio Busquets and Co managed to seal a narrow win. at their home turf. Memphis Depay scored the only goal in this match through his penalty early on in the second half. Unfortunately, Barcelona were unable to extend their lead through the open play. They were actually quite lucky not to concede as the visiting side had a chance to score two goals through Raul De Tomas. Sadly, both of attempts frustratingly hit the woodwork. It was a much needed victory which might yet satistify the gaffer and the fans despite their crisis. Xavi still has a lot of work to do to bump up their position on the table and later revenge their loss in El Classico.

The Dutchman Memphis Depay was named the man of the match as he registered a decisive goal in this game. Nevertheless, the former Lyon man should have scored more since he had at least two more chances. He still lacks clinical finishing which is required in if Barcelona are to improve in this season’s campaign.

Lets check out his MOTM worthy stats:

Memphis Depay’s Stats:

Rating: 7.84

Minutes played: 90

Pass accuracy %: 87.1

Goal contribution: 1 goal

Shots (on target): 5 (4)

Dribbles: 1

Touches: 53

Crosses completion : 4

Key Passes: 1

From the opposition side, their centre back Sergio Gomez is the highest rated player in this game. He was mainly involved in keeping the home side’s attacking side at bay with a fairly high number of clearance and tackles plus interceptions on the back line.

Check out more about Sergi Gomez’s stats below:

Sergi Gomez Stats:

Rating: 7.69

Minutes played: 90

Pass accuracy %: 86.4

Shots (on target): 1

Dribbles: 1

Touches: 64

Crosses (accurate crosses): 1(1)

Aerial duels won: 2

Tackles: 6

Interceptions: 4

Clearances: 6

Blocked shots: 1