Full Time: Barcelona 3-0 Juventus
Barcelona trounced Italian Champions Juventus 3-0 in their opening group stage game of the UEFA Champions League, at the Camp Nou, thanks to a Leo Messi masterclass.
Barcelona finally managed to break the deadlock, through that man, Messi, on the verge of half-time, with a low strike, following a mazy run and swift exchange with Luis Suarez. Ten minutes into the second period, Ivan Rakitic found the back of the net to make it 2-0. Messi doubled his tally on the night with another brilliant goal in the 69th minute, to seal the result.
Here’s how the Barca players fared in the game:
Barcelona Player Ratings
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7/10
Great save to deny Mattia De Sciglio early in the game. He then denied Miralem Pjanic afterwards. Not a lot to do other than that.
Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Booked in the first-half for a cynical foul on Douglas Costa. But it was another encouraging display from the Portuguese, as he linked up nicely with Ousmane Dembele down the right flank.
Gerard Pique – 7/10
Made a strong block to deny Gonzalo Higuain and followed it up with a clearance off the line late in the game to protect the clean sheet.
Samuel Umtiti – 7.5/10
Continues to impress at the heart of the defence. Calm and composed at the back, brilliant distribution. He has been immense for Barca this season.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Another display full of energy and running down the left-hand side. Looks a completely different player to what we saw last season.
Ivan Rakitic – 7.5/10
Doubled Barca’s lead in the first-half and put in a fine display. Worked hard throughout the game.
Sergio Busquets – 7/10
Never really looked like he was given a hard time by the Juve midfield. Sat back and anchored the midfield with great ease.
Andres Iniesta – 8/10
A dazzling display from the maestro – fine dribbles, incisive passes, great movement. Dictated the play brilliantly, like the Iniesta in his prime. Was taken off with a rousing ovation.
Ousmane Dembele – 7.5/10
Fired wide from a promising position. Was a constant threat down the right-hand side, giving Alex Sandro plenty to worry about. A promising full debut.
Lionel Messi – 10/10
Great run past several Juve players to open the scoring. Hit the post in the second period and was booked later. Played a vital role in the second goal, before scoring the third goal himself – another brilliant effort. Was unstoppable.
Luis Suarez – 6/10
Had a brilliant effort stopped by Gigi Buffon. Got the assist for the opener. But did little else to make a mark on the game.
Substitutes
Sergi Roberto – 6/10
Came on for Dembele in the last 20 minutes.
Paulinho – N/A
Replaced Rakitic with less than 15 minutes to go.
Andre Gomes – N/A
On for Iniesta in the 83rd minute.