Borussia Dortmund versus. Barcelona player ratings: Ferran Torres to the rescue! Hansi Flick's team wins late thanks to a two-goal barrage from the super-sub, while Robert Lewandowski disappears once more.
After giving up the lead twice, the Blaugrana won in the end thanks to a late goal from the Spanish forward.Barcelona's unexpected hero was Erran Torres, who scored twice to help the team defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday. Barca had twice taken the lead thanks to good work from Raphinha and Torres, but the German team exploited Hansi Flick's defensive flaws to draw even before the former Manchester City player scored the game-winning goal.
Barca controlled the possession despite Dortmund's occasional scare, but their well-organized hosts held them back. Raphinha missed a great ball from Lamine Yamal and the Spain winger had a few of his own attempts in the first half.
Despite the German team's strong start in the second half, Barca broke the tie. After sprinting onto a pass from Dani Olmo, Raphinha sent it sliding into Gregor Kobel's net's bottom corner. However, it was short-lived as Guirassy equalized from the penalty spot on the hour mark after Pau Cubarsi knocked him off the ball.
Despite the German team's strong start in the second half, Barca broke the tie. After sprinting onto a pass from Dani Olmo, Raphinha sent it sliding into Gregor Kobel's net's bottom corner. However, it was short-lived as Guirassy equalized from the penalty spot on the hour mark after Pau Cubarsi knocked him off the ball.
For the last twenty minutes, Hansi Flick made three substitutes, and two of them worked together to give the team the lead again. Torres struck a flawless close-range strike after Fermin Lopez's attempt was deflected into his path. Soon after Yan Couto blocked Inigo Martinez's errant ball and sent through Pascal Gross, Dortmund pulled even again. Inaki Pena, the goalkeeper for Barcelona, rushed out but was easily defeated when Gross squared to Guirassy for a simple finish.
But it wasn't done yet, as Barca launched a counterattack against the hosts, which resulted in Yamal feeding Torres, who took his time before shooting past Kobel.Barcelona's players from Signal Iduna Park are rated by GOAL.
But it wasn't done yet, as Barca launched a counterattack against the hosts, which resulted in Yamal feeding Torres, who took his time before shooting past Kobel.Barcelona's players from Signal Iduna Park are rated by GOAL.
It was chaotic and messy at times, but it was also a game full of entertainment value.A win against a Dortmund side who don’t make it easy for any opposition sides at Signal Iduna Park isn’t to be sniffed at, and indeed, it was their first home defeat in the Champions League since November 2021.The way in which Barca’s win arrived was arguably something of a surprise too.Ferran Torres has flattered to deceive throughout his Barcelona career, and has rarely justified his €55m price tag.Perhaps that’s the sum total of the issue for culers - that they don’t believe the Spaniard is worth that kind of spend.
It would be fascinating to see if Ferran can maintain his present form over the next few games, as all players, both from the bench and the fan base, depend on confidence to perform.The center-forward could have won a stay of execution, if only until the summer, whether it was due to good fortune or simply exceptional timing.If Ferran can finally be counted upon, it will be like having a new signing in place when Robert Lewandowski starts to feel the effects of the long, difficult season.The only thing Flick needs to worry about, though, is why his defense has been giving up goals so frequently lately and whether the high line needs to be changed in any manner.
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