Unstoppable Leo Messi – The Best And The Worst Rated Barcelona Players From The 3-0 Win Against Juventus

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.