In what was yet another demonstration of the gulf in class between Spanish and Scottish teams, Barcelona beat Celtic 2-0 in Matchday 5 of the Champions League. Lionel Messi scored both the goals, as the Catalan side overran Brendan Rodgers’ hapless team at the Celtic Park in Glasgow. This win not only confirmed Celtic’s elimination from all European competitions, but also more or less ensured Barca as the winners of Group C.
Having been humiliated 7-0 in the reverse fixture at the Camp Nou, the home team tried their best to hold out Barca; they played a physical game for most of the match. However, despite their best efforts, they could not disrupt their opposition’s passing in the final third and were taken apart by some sharp interplay between Messi and Neymar for the first goal. A useless foul on Luis Suarez in the second half, meanwhile, led to the second goal.
The Spanish team could have scored a couple of more goals a well, but luck was not on their side and so Celtic were saved from humiliation in front of their home fans. Here are the player ratings from the game:
Celtic:
Craig Gordon: 7/10
The Celtic goalkeeper could do nothing to keep out either of the goals. However, he did make a few very good stops, including a point-blank save from a Suarez header which prevented further damage.
M.Lustig: 5/10
The left back had a torrid time containing Neymar, who was in his element last night. His delay in closing the Brazilian down led to the first goal.
Jozo Simunovic: 5/10
The centre-back had a decent game, especially in the second half. He appeared unfazed while facing Barca’s attacking trio, but his failure to track Messi’s run led to the first goal.
Erik Sviatchenko: 6/10
It takes great skill and composure to silence someone like Suarez, but the centre-back did just that yesterday night. He held his own against one of the best marksmen in the world.
Emilio Izzaguire: 4/10
The right back seemed undone by the occasion last night. He not only conceded a silly penalty by making a stupid foul on Luis Suarez in the 56th minute, but also offered almost zero attacking threat on his overlaps.
Scott Brown: 6/10
The holding midfielder put in a very disciplined performance yesterday. He was calm on the ball and distributed it very well when in possession. Could have helped his defence in coping with Messi a bit better, though.
Tom Rogic: 5/10
Worked very hard and picked the correct passes throughout the first half. However, he faded away after the break and was replaced on the hour mark.
Stuart Armstrong: 6/10
Played his heart out in midfield. Worked tirelessly throughout the match and was efficient with the ball at his feet.
Callum McGregor: 5/10
Was full of energy and worked hard off the ball, and didn’t allow the Barca midfield to gain the upper hand. However, his failure to deliver quality balls hurt his team’s chances.
Moussa Dembele: 5/10
He was the only player who took the game to Barca’s defence in the first half. In spite getting a handful of chances thanks to his clever runs, he missed them all, which reflects poorly on his composure.
Scott Sinclair: 7/10
Proved a real handful for a makeshift Barca defence with his pace and trickery. Unfortunately, he had to be replaced during the interval due to an injury picked up in the first half.
Substitutes
J. Forrest: 6/10
Replaced Sinclair in the second half. Put in some brilliant crosses as well, but Celtic’s forwards weren’t clinical enough to put them away.
N. Bitton: N/A
P. Roberts: 4/10
Came on when the game was out of reach, and unfortunately couldn’t do much to change it.
Barcelona
Marce-Andre ter Stegen: 6/10
Managed to save all the shots that came his way, and looked comfortable while gathering the crosses as well. Didn’t have to break much of a sweat though.
Jordi Alba: 6/10
The left back was making a return to the team after being out with an injury for a while. He played for over an hour, during which he impressed both in attack and defence.
Gerrard Pique: 7/10
He led the Barca defence by example and was instrumental in keeping out the lively pair of Sinclair and Dembele throughout the game.
Javier Mascherano: 6/10
The Argentine has faced a lot of criticism in the past for his showing in the centre back position, but in the absence of Umtiti, he partnered Pique well. Did have the odd nervy moment here and there though.
Sergi Roberto: 6/10
The right back slotted in well and picked out the pass to Suarez, which led to the penalty. Was impressive while going forward as well.
Andre Gomes: 5/10
Started on the left side of the Barca midfield. However, he looked uncertain in possession and failed to mark his authority on the proceedings.
Ivan Rakitic: 6/10
Started on the right side of the Barca midfield. Was excellent when retaining possession but was denied the space to play a creative pass or two.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
It is likely that he finally made his way back to form with this game. Played a number of beautiful balls to his forwards and provided good cover to his defence.
Lionel Messi: 8/10
The Barca superstar made a return from illness with a brilliant brace. His one-twos with Neymar and off the ball runs brought pandemonium to the Celtic defence. His first goal exemplified his superlative ball control while the manner in which he slotted the penalty home demonstrated his calmness in front of goal once again.
Luis Suarez: 6/10
The Uruguayan was marked tightly by the Celtic defence but still managed to find spaces every now and then. Won his side a penalty and should have been on the scoresheet as well, if not for a sensational save from Gordon on the goal line.
Neymar: 5/10
The Brazilian was instrumental in setting up the first goal, as he laid Messi off with a lovely dink on top of the Celtic defence. However, his performance on the left lank became inconsistent after that.
Substitutes:
Marlon: 6
Replaced Pique in the 72nd minute. Looked bright and commanding on his Barcelona debut.
Lucas Digne: N/A
Arda Turan: N/A
