The entry of Busquets, Gavi and Pedri in the second half was absolutely vital for a Spain that gave a very different image
Morata appeared with another key ‘peck’, while behind Unai Simón was providential with three saves
With up to seven changes compared to the team that was defeated on Saturday against Switzerland, Luis Enrique’s Spain played it in Braga against Portugal. Complicated scenario against a Portuguese team that was worth the draw and that came out with all its arsenal. Cristiano, Bernardo Silva and Diego Jota up. Almost nothing. On his side, ‘Lucho’ completely changed the midfield.
I was surprised that so much Pedri and Gavi will stay out of the eleven. Two key pieces. Except that Rodri came in for Sergio Busquets in the pivot. Before, in the morning, it was known that neither Eric Garcia nor Azpilicueta entered the list for the clash. Xavi rubbed his hands together.
THOSE OF BARÇA, DETERMINANTS
In any case, Spain went from less to more and, after a rather discreet first 45 minutes, the team was revolutionized in the last half hour. The entrance of Busquets, Gavi, Pedri and Nico gave another air.
These are the evaluations of SPORT:
8
Unai Simon, goalkeeper
Feline
Causing the occasional tachycardia with his feet, but performing a couple of very high-level interventions. Especially one to Diego Jota on foot changed stellar. In the second half he got another star out of Cristiano.
6
Dani Carvajal, defender
Busy
The Madrid side saw them and wished for his side with Cristiano, Jota and company. More focused on defensive help and coverage than on splitting Ferran. He faltered in the second half, but appeared with a miraculous cross in the 88th minute.
5
Hugo Guillamon
Conditioned
Unnecessary stomp on Cristiano in the center of the field, yellow and too conditioned for Valencia. Aside from that, correct action without more bulk errors. ‘Lucho’ relieved him at halftime precisely because of that yellow card and to relocate Rodri.
7
Pau Torres, defender
Sober
Together with Gayà, the best defender of the national team in Braga. He was consistent, up front and, in general, making few mistakes. He led well and brought hierarchy to the rear. Especially with the team overturned looking for the goal.
7
Gaya, defense
Selective
The eternal future of Barça had to roll up his sleeves in defense. In his band, Cancelo, Bernardo Silva and company were a constant threat. He weathered the ‘temporary’ as best he could and was able to frequently give the alternative for his band in attack. He put up some good ball.
6
Rodrigo, midfielder
‘in crescendo’
In the first half he was somewhat soft in the pivot. He won several disputes and he lost a couple of balls that could cost dearly. In the second, as a center back, he was more solid and sober.
6
Carlos Soler, midfielder
Intense
It was difficult for him to give fluidity to the game and associate himself in 3/4 of the field. A rather dark encounter for the Valencian, who barely had 7′ of play at the start of the season with PSG. Work and no flash beyond some distant and deflected shot.
6
Koke Resurrection, midfielder
Fajador
Brega, fight and work of the Atlético player. Something non-negotiable when he is on the field. He helped keep possession in the first half, but didn’t offer any extras. Neither arrival nor association in the final meters.
5
Fernando Torres, forward
obfuscated
The one from Foios tried to face again and again. He faced Nuno Mendes and tried to take advantage of the PSG player’s offensive vocation. But he was not inspired. He needs to regain confidence in his game and be more incisive.
5
Pablo Sarabia, midfielder
Tasteless
Despite the fact that Luis Enrique maintains confidence in several pieces that have always served him well, it is difficult to have rhythm when you do not play for your club. Sarabia was an example of this. He was seen with little spark and overflow ability. gray party.
7
Alvaro Morata, forward
savior
A lot of mobility and constant unchecking, but with little response from his teammates. The ‘mattress’ forward, as always, fell to the band and tried to associate. And, as in qualifying for the European Championship, he appeared as the savior in minute 88′.
7
Sergio Busquets, midfielder
Organizer
He put order and gave much more balance to the midfield. He would turn 37 and would continue to be irreplaceable in the gear of ‘Lucho’. He gave a lot of criteria and was key in the best minutes of Spain.
7
Gavi, midfielder
Hyperactive
The piston never goes down. He is a pile hammer and infects his companions. Struggle, fight, suffocating pressure. Both he and ‘Busi’ and Pedri changed the script.
7
Pedro, midfielder
Influential
He transferred his influence on the game the moment he entered the field of play. He teamed up with Gavi and Busquets and they looked for an omnipresent Nico.
6
Yeremy Pino
Insistent
He tried to give a little more bite to the right, but without success. The one from Villarreal is daring and is not daunted and the truth is that he did not give up his efforts but he did not have the day.
7
Nick Williams
Revolutionary
He printed another rhythm. Almost everything she did involved danger. Key with the assistance to Morata. A nuisance for the Portuguese.