The Academy graduate who scored the vital second goal could be the next game-changing talent for Xavi’s side
Fermin Lopez plays played a key role in Barcelona’s first goal and scored a superb second, as the Blaugrana beat Shakhtar Donetsk to maintain their perfect Champions League record. Xavi’s team led 2-0, but conceded in the second half and the suspense ended with a 2-1 victory.
Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 30th minute, launching a short-range counterattack after Lopez’s shot went wide. Lopez scored twice soon after, receiving a pass from Joao Cancelo before firing a shot wide of the post from 20 yards.
The Blaugrana put the ball in the net for the third time, but Torres got it wrong and was ruled offside. And they had to pay. The visitors pulled a goal back in stoppage time when Heorhiy Sudkov ran behind the high Barca defense and past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
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Lopez nearly got a second soon after, but rattled the woodwork with a curling effort. However, Barça won 3/3 in Group H.
Goalkeeping & Defense
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Would have been upset to concede, and was probably beaten too easily in his close position.
Joao Cancelo (June 10):
A creative threat from deep, dangerous off the dribble. But his last ball was lost.
Ronald Araujo (6/10):
Failed to execute the offside trap in front of Shaktar’s goal. He sent a free kick over the bar. It wasn’t his best performance.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Solid at centre-back. Shaktar never really threatened his side.
Marcos Alonso (7/10):
Good progress and solid defense. A nice rep from a save.
Midfielder
Oriol Romeu (6/10):
Played well in the first half but looked less assured as the game dragged on after the break.
Fermin Lopez (8/10):
Second straight start for the youngster. Played a key role in the opener after seeing his shot deflect off Torres’ post. Scored his first goal in the Champions League soon after. He looks like a real talent.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
His shot against Lopez sealed Barça’s first match. Furthermore, he was settled in the middle of the park.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Dangerous on the right flank with his usual cuts and turns. A clearer finish from his teammate and Yamal could have picked up an assist or two.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Scored very well. He scored the second but was sent off – rightly so – for offside. He is very solid but Robert Lewandowski’s decline has been immense.
Joao Felix (7/10):
Once again, he’s a huge creative influence, even if he doesn’t play with a natural centre-forward. He had to limp off the field injured after 15 minutes. Barca hopes the incident is not too serious.
Subs & Manager
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Provided pace and creativity on the left after he joined.
Marc Guiu (June 10):
A powerful cameo. Run with the ball full and get into good attacking areas.
Andreas Christensen (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Marc Casado (N/A):
Late introduction only.
Xavi (October 7):
He played with the strongest squad due to the injury situation. He would have been happy that Barca could take an early lead, but things became tense after Shaktar pulled one back. With El Clasico on Saturday, he needs calm.
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Oriol Romeu (6/10):
Held things down well in the first half, but looked unsecure when the game was stretched after the break.
Fermin Lopez (8/10):
A second straight start for the youngster. Played a crucial role in the opening goal after seeing his shot deflect into Torres’ path off the post. Scored his first Champions League’s goal shortly after. Looks a real talent.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
His dink into Lopez set up the Barca opener. Was otherwise steady in the middle of the park.