“José was everywhere” as Barcelona beat Girona

Barcelona needed a commanding league afternoon, and José gave them one. In the 4-1 win over Girona on 16 September, he scored twice, set up another and shaped the contest from beginning to end, leaving the Camp Nou crowd with the rare pleasure of watching a match turn around one man’s touch and judgement.

The 9.6 rating tells part of it. José had three shots, two on target and three key passes; the two goals and assist made him the decisive presence in a Barcelona attack that scored four. He was named player of the match, but the numbers are only shorthand for the way he kept drawing the game towards him.

Girona were no silent guests. They had five shots on target and two clear-cut chances, and the 4-1 scoreline came in a match where Barcelona’s 60 per cent possession did not mean a quiet afternoon. Santi had four attempts for the visitors, while Jofre Ramos and Álex Fuentes helped Girona create danger of their own. Barcelona had to make their superiority count, and José did precisely that.

Danijel Sekulić also scored twice, while Jesús Prats supplied two assists, but José’s contribution joined the parts together. In my day, the best cup runs and league afternoons alike were often remembered through the player who made the crucial moments feel inevitable. José’s display had that old-fashioned completeness: goals, invention and influence across the full 90 minutes.

The Brazilian, now at Barcelona, has spent a long career making his mark away from home; this was a reminder of the value of such experience in Spain. Barcelona have had plenty of upheaval around the club this summer, but on this afternoon the story was simpler. Girona came to compete, and José made sure the result belonged to Barcelona.