It was a gloomy Tuesday in Spain for Aston Villa fans, both figuratively and literally, as they watched their side fall 3-0 to Barcelona in the pouring rain.
The Villans got off to the worst possible start, conceding the opener within seven minutes due to a wayward pass from Joao Gomes. It found the feet of Lamine Yamal, who made the most of the mistake.
Unai Emery’s men settled in after that blunder, creating a flurry of chances at the other end in the minutes immediately following Yamal’s opener. It remained a relatively even affair throughout the rest of the first half, and it looked like there was still plenty to play for as both sides headed to the dressing room.
Things, however, quickly soured for the boys in Claret and Blue after the break. Raphinha’s shot took an unfortunate deflection off Pau Torres before finding the back of the net to give the Catalans a 2-0 lead. Raphinha struck again just 12 minutes later, as Joao Cancelo played an inch-perfect pass across the face of goal and into his path.
The match stalled after the third goal, as Hansi Flick’s side were content with their three-goal advantage and absorbed some decent Aston Villa pressure to see out the final minutes.
Aston Villa: The Player Ratings
Zion Suzuki – 5.5
Conceded three goals, but wasn’t at fault for any of them. Made some decent saves throughout the contest. His normally exquisite distribution wasn’t quite as sharp tonight.
Matty Cash – 4.5
A poor showing from Cash tonight. Made the odd rampaging run forward, but to largely no avail. Struggled against the speed and skill of Anthony Gordon. Not his finest shift.
Victor Lindelöf – 6.5
The best member of the defense by far tonight. Lindelöf was composed with and without the ball, making some good clearances and playing out from the back with confidence. Seems to be playing with confidence coming out of his pores lately.
Pau Torres – 5
Torres looked good with the ball at his feet tonight but struggled defensively. Fortunate not to have been punished for a careless giveaway early in the second half. Made some good recoveries, but was not nearly as assured as his center-back counterpart.
Ian Maatsen – 4
The 24-year-old was always going to have his hands full with the ever-dangerous Lamine Yamal, and he wasn’t quite up to the task. He didn’t offer anything of substance going forward, either. Not a good night for the Dutchman.
Boubacar Kamara – 6.5
The only reason Aston Villa had any sort of presence in the middle of the park tonight. The Frenchman was calm on the ball and matched the physicality of the Barcelona midfielders. Made some good passes but didn’t have much of an impact offensively. Defensively sound.
Joao Gomes – 4
Uncharacteristically poor tonight. An absolutely unacceptable mistake gifted Lamine Yamal the opening goal. Almost made up for it moments later with a blocked volley, but was largely dominated physically. Not the type of performance the Villa faithful have come to expect from the former Wolves midfielder. Subbed off halfway through the second half.
Emiliano Buendia – 5
Largely absent in the first half, but arguably Aston Villa’s most potent attacking threat in the second. Booked. Replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye in the 62nd minute.
John McGinn – 3.5
An awful night for the Villa skipper. Struggled to make any impact on the game and was completely beaten by Joao Cancelo in the buildup to the third goal. Could never keep up with the pace of the match. Alysson provided much more of a spark after replacing him late on.
Johan Manzambi – 4.5
Had some solid spells on the ball but couldn’t find much space to use his creativity. Much better in the first half than the second. Scuffed one of Villa’s better chances in the first half, sending a glancing effort just wide of Joan Garcia’s net.
Nicolas Jackson – 5.5
Looked comfortable on the ball and engaged in an entertaining physical battle with Pau Cubarsí and company. Threatened at times.
Aston Villa’s Substitutes Ratings
Ibrahim Mbaye (Buendia 62’) – 5
Offered his usual speed and eagerness going forward but lacked finishing quality and a final touch. Still an exciting cameo, but not his best.
Leon Goretzka (Manzambi 62’) – 6
Looked much more assured in possession than most of Villa’s players. Narrowly missed out on a goal when he glanced a header off the woodwork late on.
Ross Barkley (Gomes 62’) – 5
Villa’s Champions League hero so far this season really didn’t make much of an impact. Missed high with a long-range effort.
Tammy Abraham (Jackson 77’) – 5
Brought his unique style to the forefront of Villa’s attack and worked hard, but couldn’t produce anything significant.
Alysson (McGinn 77’) – 6
Direct, skillful, and confident going forward. By far the biggest threat the Villans posed in the closing stages of the match.
End Of My Aston Villa Rant
While there were moments of misfortune for Emery’s men tonight, it was ultimately a gap in quality that condemned them to defeat at the Nou Camp. Barcelona’s speed, link-up play, and moments of sheer class put Villa to the sword.
On another night, it could have been a different game, but it wasn’t to be for Aston Villa. They now shift their focus to a trip to Old Trafford at the weekend, where they will take on Manchester United.
