Match Attendance: 19,050            

Who Was Man Of The Match? Frankie de Jong

Barcelona’s revival is underway. Xavi’s stern approach with his eight rules begins to deliver results, both in the team’s confidence and on the pitch. In the late game this weekend against Villarreal, Blaugrana managed to showcase their class again despite playing away from home. They dominated the possession as well as the goal opportunities and eventually came out as a winner after smashing Unai Emery’s side 3-1.

At first, Xavi deployed a usual 3-2-4-1 formation, which slightly stunned the home side. However, it changed back to the regular 4-3-3 along the way. The first half was fairly tight although Barcelona should have had their opener as Depay had several clear chances in the six-yard box.

In the second half, the goals finally came. Frankie De Jong opened his account this season by a simple tap into the empty net. Villareal did not want to suffer another humiliation at their home turf in a row after losing in the midweek against Manchester United. The Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze bagged an equaliser.

When the game seemed to be ending in a tie, the Catalan side had their way to clinch three points. Memphis Depay rounded on Guillermo Rulli before tucking away the ball. Coutinho, at last, scored another goal through a penalty to secure their first away win in La Liga this season.

The Dutch international Frankie de Jong was, as a matter of fact, named the man of the match instead of Depay again. The creative midfielder was at his best in the attacking build-up and also registered his first goal of the season.

Let’s check out his MOTM worthy stats:

Frankie de Jong’s Stats:

Rating: 7.75

Minutes played: 90

Pass accuracy %: 85.7

Goal contribution: 1 goal

Shots (on target): 1 (1)

Key Passes: 3

Aerial duels won: 1

Touches: 30

Dribbles: 1