Ferran Torres emerged as the surprise saviour for Barcelona as the substitute netted twice to seal dramatic a 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Good work from Raphinha and Torres had seen Barca take the lead on two occasions, but the German side found the weaknesses in Hansi Flick’s defence to pull level before the ex-Manchester City star slotted home the winner.
Despite the occasional scare from Dortmund, Barca managed to dominate the ball but were restricted by their organised hosts as Raphinha failed to convert from a fantastic Lamine Yamal ball, while the Spain winger had a few efforts of his own kept out in the first half.
The German team had a bright start in the second period, but it was Barca who broke the deadlock. Raphinha raced onto a Dani Olmo pass and sent it rolling into the bottom corner of Gregor Kobel’s net. It didn’t last long, though, as Pau Cubarsi shoved Guirassy off the ball, allowing the striker to level from the penalty spot on the hour mark.
Hansi Flick made three substitutions for the last 20 minutes and two of them combined to restore the lead – Torres making no mistake from close range after Fermin Lopez’s shot was parried into his path. Yet again, Dortmund pulled level shortly afterwards when Inigo Martinez’s wayward pass was stopped by Yan Couto, who fed through Pascal Gross. Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena came rushing out but was easily beaten as Gross squared to Guirassy for an easy finish.
It wasn’t over yet, though, as Barca hit the hosts on the counter attack, culminating in Yamal feeding Torres through and the forward took his time before firing past Kobel.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from Signal Iduna Park…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (5/10):
Floundered in front of Gross for Dortmund’s second equaliser.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Useful going forward but Dortmund had some luck cutting through him.
Pau Cubarsi (5/10):
Looked strong against a lively Dortmund frontline but was silly for shoving Guirassy.
Inigo Martinez (5/10):
Shaky at times as Guirassy caused problems.
Alejandro Balde (4/10):
Had a woeful time up against Julien Duranville on the left side.
Midfield
Marc Casado (5/10):
Slowed down Barca’s attacks by always going backwards or sideways.
Pedri (6/10):
Won possession a few times and was typically tidy on the ball.
Dani Olmo (8/10):
Added some spark to his team’s attacks and caused Dortmund plenty of issues.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Another fabulous trivela pass to set up Raphinha early on and had a few shots saved.
Robert Lewandowski (3/10):
Barely touched the ball. He managed two shots – one missed the target and the other was blocked.
Raphinha (8/10):
Made some amazing runs off the ball and was rewarded with the goal.
Subs & Manager
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
Misplaced a few passes despite his limited role.
Ferran Torres (8/10):
What an impact! Pounced on the ball to make it 2-1 and delivered the winner again.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Made a positive impression, mostly for the second goal.
Pau Victor (N/A):
Had no time to make an impact.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
A late introduction.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
Will have some concerns about his team but will be delighted with the impact his subs made after a nervy win.
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