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Mesmerizing Messi – The Best and The Worst Rated Barcelona Players vs Celta Vigo

Barcelona built on their impressive 6-1 win against Sporting Gijon in the midweek, with an equally impressive 5-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou on Saturday night at the Camp Nou.

It was another masterclass from the Blaugrana after having put in some disappointing results earlier this month, but have managed to bounce back in style. Things looked ominous for the visitors from the get-go with Lionel Messi, Rafinha and Luis Suarez all getting behind the Celta Vigo defence with unsurprising ease, but they were unlucky to open the scoring. However, the ever magical Leo Messi, got them going with a lovely curled effort into the bottom corner. Fifteen minutes later, Neymar made it 2-0, following some neat play between Messi and Ivan Rakitic.

Twelve minutes post the restart, Rakitic further increased Barcelona’s lead, from a blatantly offside position. Messi then teed up defender Samuel Umtiti for his first La Liga goal, from a short corner. The Argentine doubled his tally for the day a few minutes later, slamming in a low finish after cutting in from the right side to complete the trouncing.

The win saw Barcelona return to the top of the table after Real Madrid had briefly taken over the position, following their 4-1 win over Eibar earlier in the day. On what was another dominant display by the Blaugrana, let’s assess how each player fared on the night:

Barcelona Player Ratings

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 6/10

The German had very little to do in terms of saves for the entire night but showed good command in the box on the rare occasions when needed.

Sergi Roberto – 6/10

The Spaniard returned to the right-back position, with Enrique opting for a four-man backline. Got forward well on occasions, but the occasional defensive lapses were still there.

Gerard Pique – 7/10

Reinstated to the line-up after the midweek game, the Spaniard excelled on the pitch. Strong in the air, composed with the ball at his feet, and he put in a comfortable display.

Samuel Umtiti – 8/10

One of Umtiti’s best displays in Barcelona colours. Kept the dangerous Iago Aspas and John Guidetti in his pocket for the entire game and grabbed his first goal for the Blaugrana as well. Brilliant.

Jordi Alba – 6/10

Returned to his usual left-back role and defended very solidly. He wasn’t required to do too much attacking down the left-hand side as Neymar tore the Celta defence apart. As a result of that, he was happy to stay back in his own half.

Sergio Busquets – 7/10

The Spain International is finally showing his class after having struggled this season. Linked everything in the middle of the park and controlled the proceedings.

Ivan Rakitic – 7/10

Another energetic display from the former Sevilla man that ended with him scoring his second goal in two games.

Rafinha – 6/10

Showed great attacking nous and intent throughout, but missed the finishing touches in the box. Bright performance that did not bear much results. However, he inadvertently set up Rakitic’s second-half goal.

Lionel Messi – 9/10

The little magician was at it once again, spellbinding defenders with his silky touch and nimble feet. Took his two goals wonderfully well and set up Neymar and Umtiti’s strikes as well. Everything that was positive for Barcelona came through Messi. Outstanding.

Neymar – 8/10

Tormented the Celta defence with his pace and trickery on the ball throughout the night, cutting in from the left-flank to devastating effect. Took his goal brilliantly in the first-half.

Luis Suarez – 7/10

Failed to get on the scoresheet, but was involved with some enchanting interplay with Messi and others. Was unlucky to only hit the post early in the game and not score.

Substitutes

Javier Mascherano – 6/10

Came in for Busquets at the hour mark and sat at the base of the midfield, before moving into defence. Kept things simple at the back.

Andres Iniesta – 6/10

Replaced Roberto and slotted in the midfield in the 67th minute. He was a part of some neat link-up plays in the attacking third.

Denis Suarez – 6/10

Came on for Neymar for the last 20 minutes of the game. Missed a couple of late chances to get himself among the goals.

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