Cadiz 0-0 Barcelona: Player ratings

Barcelona’s disappointing stat to the season continued on Thursday as they were made to hang on to secure a goalless draw with Cadiz.

Cadiz began energetically but Barcelona quickly started dominating possession, although they struggled to cut the home side open. There were a lot of passes but that was about it. The first half was not fun at all.

Cadiz midfielder Fali picked up a nasty looking knee injury, but the only highlight of the first 45 was a Cadiz supporter holding up a banner asking Lionel Messi for his shirt.

Thankfully, things changed after the break. Alvaro Negredo came close with a shot from range before Memphis Depay missed a sitter just a few minutes into the half, and both sides continued to look like they actually wanted to have some fun for once.

Any momentum Barcelona thought they had built came to an abrupt end shortly after the hour mark as Frenkie de Jong was dismissed for two yellow cards.

Clearly smelling blood, Cadiz did all they could to push for a winner and had a handful of great chances, but none could find a way through the impressive Ter Stegen.

Barcelona ended the game without a manager as Ronald Koeman was sent to the stands for contest protests of the referee’s decision, putting a sour end to what was a pretty underwhelming contest.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 7/10 – Did absolutely nothing in the first half but was clearly switched on enough to make a top save from Negredo shortly after the break. Made another excellent save from Salvi Sanchez late on.

Oscar Mingueza (RB) – 4/10 – Looked really uncomfortable on the right. Regularly blasted by Koeman for not getting forward enough and was visibly frustrating his boss.

Gerard Pique (CB) – 6/10 – Had a fun aerial battle with Negredo. Didn’t win all of them but usually did enough to disrupt the Cadiz man.

Ronald Araujo (CB) – 7/10 – Really led by example. Could be heard barking orders to his team-mates and made sure to throw himself around to win the ball back.

Sergino Dest (LB) – 5/10 – Involved so much in attack but did pretty much everything wrong. Skied an early chance and continued to fluff crosses. Fair play for getting into good positions but did nothing with that.

Sergio Busquets (DM) – 5/10 – Far too safe with the ball. Offered one or two long passes but far too many went sideways. Slowed the game down too much.

Gavi (CM) – 7/10 – Constantly wanted the ball and was not afraid to try and dictate possession. Some dangerous crosses but struggled with his side’s lack of moment in attack.

Frenkie de Jong (CM) – 4/10 – Underwhelming in the first half and dismissed shortly after the hour mark for two yellow cards, the second of which was a little harsh. Still wasn’t the worst De Jong.

Yusuf Demir (RW) – 4/10 – Had Koeman screaming at his lack of movement. Offered absolutely nothing in the first half and was hauled off at half-time.

Luuk de Jong (ST) – 2/10 – Doesn’t fit this Barcelona team at all. Made life far too easy for Cadiz’s centre-backs by just standing still and not offering any movement whatsoever. Hooked after the red card.

Memphis Depay (LW) – 5/10 – Clearly frustrated by his side’s lack of oomph but dropped too deep to try and make things happen. Fluffed a sitter early in the second half.

Sergi Roberto (CM) – 7/10 – Probably wasn’t actually a 7/10 but deserves credit for being the catalyst for Barcelona’s brief improvement. Made this game worth watching for all of 15 minutes.

Philippe Coutinho (LM) – 5/10 – Offered very little after replacing De Jong.

Nico (CM) – 6/10 – Didn’t get a lot of time to impress but did fine.

Riqui Puig (CM) – 5/10 – Nearly gave away a goal with his first touch.