Luis Suarez was at the forefront again as he guided Barcelona to a 6-0 victory over Sporting Gijon. The Uruguayan scored two neatly finished goals and scored from spot twice. Despite going a goal down, Abelardo Fernandez’s men put up a good fight, creating chances of their own early on with Miguel Guerrero creating trouble in the Barcelona’s box.
Here is how the players fared:
Barcelona
Claudio Bravo: 7
Although Bravo made a good save ten minutes into the game which stopped the Asturian side from going ahead, he almost got caught just before the break as he attempted to cut out an away attack. The keeper barely had a thing to do in the second half.
Sergi Roberto: 7
Played well in both attack and defense. The versatile full-back helped in expanding options while going forward.
Gerard Pique: 7.5
Regained composure quite well after an early mess up. The centre-back made a set of crucial interceptions, essentially killing off Gijon’s attacks.
Javier Mascherano: 8
Played an extremely important role in defense with some vital clearances and crucial tackles. The Argentine had a relatively uneventful second half.
Jordi Alba: 7.5
The fullback wasn’t tight defensively in the first half but made contributed well to Barcelona’s attacks. Won back possession time and again to launch fresh attacks.
Sergio Busquets: 7
Seemed to have found his lost form as he played some insightful balls that kept the Asturian line defense on its toes. Was quite active off the ball too.
Ivan Rakitic: 7.5
The Croatian enjoyed a solid game as he closed off spaces whenever Barca lost possession, showing great physical presence in the match.
Andres Iniesta: 8.5
The veteran was a part of most of the Catalan’s attacks and build ups. Constructed the opening goal with a beautifully lobbed pass into the box.
Lionel Messi: 9.5
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was at the centre of attention yet again. Was in total control as he ripped the Gijon Defense apart. Bagged a goal and an assist to his name.
Luis Suarez: 9.5
Had an unusually quiet first half but exploded on the scene in the second. Scored two neatly finished goals and a couple of brilliant penalties.
Neymar: 8
The Brazilian had some bright as well as frustrating moments in the game. Continued to perform short of his best as he squandered multiple chances.
Substitutes:
Dani Alves: 7
Gave a solid attacking performance. Was tight defensively too.
Marc Bartra: 6.5
Was rarely tested but played responsibly when called into action.
Arda Turan: 6.5
Contributed to attacks whenever called upon.
Sporting Gijon
Pichu Cuellar: 5
Made a couple of good saves in the game but was helplessly beaten otherwise. Failed to clear his lines, resulting in the first goal.
O.Vranjes : 4
Picked up two yellow cards and was sent off. Also conceded a penalty.
Luis Hernandez: 5
The defender had a forgettable game as he was tormented by Neymar on the wing time and again.
Igor Lichnovsky: 4.5
Virtually contributed to Barcelona’s first goal as he went missing in the buildup.
Alex Menendez: 6
Was lively in the first half while going ahead. Gave the Catalan defense something to work on.
Isma Lopez: 6
Was completely out of position as he gifted Suarez enough space and time to open his account with a goal.
Omar Mascarell: 5
Was an invisible part of a midfield that went AWOL.
Pablo Perez: 5.5
Struggled to make an impact on the game. Was substituted in the second half.
Alen Halilovic: 5
The Croatian couldn’t adjust to the tempo of the game as he could get just one wide shot to his name.
Rachid Ait-Atmane: 6
Couldn’t do much as he was cut-off from the rest of his team.
Guerrero: 7
Showed promise in the first half with a good run down the right flank. Fizzled out later into the game.
Substitutes:
Canella: 5
Things went from bad to worse for Gijon as he conceded a penalty with a careless handball.
Sanabria: 5
Came on for Pablo Perez in the 62nd minute and conceded a penalty less than ten minutes later as he appeared to have brought down Neymar in the box.
