Barcelona returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League last night, racking up a commanding 3-0 win over Aston Villa, who were unbeaten in the competition up to that point.
It only took seven minutes for the Catalans to take the lead against the Premier League side as Lamine Yamal latched onto an error by the Aston Villa defence and punished them brutally.
The first half ended with the same scoreline, but Raphinha struck twice after the break to take the wind out of the visitors' sails and engrave the result on stone. Barcelona now move to second place after four games, although Wednesday's games will see some more clubs shift above them on the leaderboard.
Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 3-0 Aston Villa.
The mood at the Spotify Camp Nou was not as jubilant as the venue usually boasts, as has been the mood in Spain in general over the past 24 hours.
Camp Nou observed a minutes' silence before kick-off. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
After all, the tragedy in Tenerife marked a dark day for football, which will go down in history as one of the most painful developments to ever unfold on a football field.
The world of football has been shaken up by Jesus de Miguel's tragic passing after getting on the receiving end of a reckless challenge in Tenerife's recent game, and it is clear that the Barcelona dressing room is no exception.
The mood last night, overall, was quite grim and the news undoubtedly had a big part to play.
Ahead of kickoff, UEFA mandated a one-minute silence in honour of the departed soul and the Camp Nou obliged.
Yet, celebrations were subdued against Aston Villa, and one would assume that the news weighed heavily on the players' minds. Raphinha starred with a game-defining brace, but did not celebrate either goal with his usual energy as he looked disturbed and far from his usual fighting self.
While Barcelona's win against Aston Villa was massive, and helps the team get back on track in La Liga, some matters transcend football and De Miguel's passing is one such tragic case.
Rodri has quickly emerged as Hansi Flick's most-trusted midfield options and the team find themselves relatively exposed at the back without his experience guarding the defence.
Rodri might have picked up an injury. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
He started against Aston Villa last night and played a good shift in the first half. In 45 minutes, the former Ballon d'Or winner completed 92% of his 50 attempted passes. He also completed two long balls, nine progressive carries and made seven defensive actions against the Premier League side.
He was, however, replaced at half-time quite surprisingly. The initial picture was that it was part of Flick's usual rotation scheme, especially with the Atletico Madrid clash up ahead.
Yet, it now appears that the player actually suffered an injury on the night and is currently experiencing discomfort in his calf muscle.
Hansi Flick confirmed that the player will undergo tests before anything is announced on his situation, and it would come as a massive blow for the team if the new signing is ruled out against Atletico Madrid.
His injury/ discomfort appear to be minor, but it remains to be seen if he can recover in a matter of days.
Barcelona's attack performed cohesively last night, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both stepping up to the occasion. The likes of Pedri, Anthony Gordon and Joao Cancelo all acted as a great support cast.
Joan Garcia deserved all the praise. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
One man who often goes under the radar, but shines game after game, is Joan Garcia, and last night was more of the same.
It was not a game where Garcia's goal was peppered with shots, or that he needed to make multiple acrobatic saves. On the contrary, the player made just one big save in the 31st minute against Johan Manzambi.
It is what he did apart from that which caught the eye of fans, and deservedly so, for every game makes it clearer why he is the perfect goalkeeper for Barcelona.
The shot-stopper was always placed right in opposition counters, knew exactly when to charge out as a sweeper keeper and when to stay behind and anticipate the complete buildup move. His distribution under pressure was on point and he completed three successful runs out in addition to 100% of his passes and 100% of his long balls.
The clean sheet, needless to say, was more than deserved for Garcia and the player once again showed why he is one of the best in the business.
