After a mediocre display in the first half in the La Liga game against Sevilla at the weekend, Barcelona helped themselves to a 2-1 victory with goals from Lionel Messi right at the end of the first half and Luis Suarez at the hour mark. The homes side created plenty of chances and will not be happy to come out with just a point as they put in a first half performance that was right up there with their best. However, the genius of Messi saw Barcelona crawl back into the game as they managed to keep digging and finally got their winner. It was not a comfortable day for the Barcelona players and here are the player ratings for the side:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (5):
Pulled off a few important saves at crucial times for his side but was far from commanding in his penalty area on the night.
Sergi Roberto (5):
He struggled throughout the game at the back as he failed to keep up with Sevilla’s attack. Was also at fault for the first goal as he had a forgettable game.
Javier Mascherano (7):
The Argentine was Barcelona’s best player at the back as he put in a number of blocks and interceptions to keep Sevilla at bay and take all three points.
Samuel Umtiti (6):
Growing on to take an important place in the side, Umtiti looked nervous on a couple of occasions but stuck to his task and got his side a victory.
Lucas Digne (6):
Was hardly tested on his flank by Sevilla as he managed to put in the extra yards in attack with a comfortable game at the back.
Sergio Busquets (6):
Stuck to his task well in the middle of the pitch as he dictated the game in the midfield after a nervy start to the game.
Ivan Rakitic (6):
Though not at his best, Rakitic put in a decent performance and would have hoped to create more than he did on the night against Sevilla.
Denis Suarez (7):
Started the game with some nerves but once he got stuck into it, he produced a brilliant performance to help his side to a victory.
Neymar Jr (6):
The Brazilian found it hard to weave around the home side’s defense on the night but produced a few moments including the one to set up Messi to give his side all three points.
Luis Suarez (7):
The former Liverpool man started the game in mediocre fashion but grew into it and started to link up with his teammates as he got himself a goal that turned out to be the winner.
Lionel Messi (8):
The Argentine was in sublime form throughout the game as he created a number of half-chances before curling Neymar’s lay-off into the corner to open the scoring.
Subs:
Andre Gomes (6):
Replaced Rakitic with less than half an hour to play and did well to keep Sevilla away from the goal at the end.
Rafinha (5):
Came on to replace Denis Suarez late in the game and did not have enough time to have an effect on the game.