Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Bilbao: Player Ratings

FC Barcelona welcomed Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou with their sights set on extending their unbeaten run in the league.

The first half saw the Blaugrana absolutely dominate the game and the ball. Bilbao can count themselves lucky to have gone just two goals down at the end of the half. Paco Alcacer started the proceedings with a fine poacher's goal. Lionel Messi then doubled the lead from outside of the box with a fierce strike.

The second half was more balanced as Barcelona took their foot off the pedal. They defended resolutely and often looked to counter-attack whenever they got the ball. No goals were scored in the second half.

On that note, let's take a look at how the players fared for their respective teams.

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Athletic Bilbao

Kepa had an amazing night

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 8/10

Quite an amazing outing just like his opposite number. Quick off his lines, it was him who stood firm and almost stopped Barca from an easy victory. Pulled a couple of saves including a fantastic stop off Messi's freekick in the first half.

Oscar De Marcos: 5/10

This was not a match he would like to remember as he was beaten quite often by Alba. Additionally, he was also disappointing in attack. If Bilbao wants to win in the next few matches, they need De Marcos firing on full throttle rather than his performance in today's match

Unai Nunez: 6.5/10

Starting the match against mighty Barca at Camp Nou, his performance was decent. Just like his defensive partner, Nunez was solid for the most part of the game. However, the gap in quality was often on display in the first half, especially the first goal where Paco was left unmarked.

Inigo Martinez: 5/10

Martinez started the match quite nervously and ended it on the same note. He went into tackles hastily and could have done much better for Alcacer's goal. His distribution was inaccurate sometimes.

Enric Saborit: 6/10

One of many Bilbao players who could not perform to their full potential. He struggled in defence as Barcelona looked quite threatening on his side of the pitch. He did not contribute much in attack too.

Mikel San Jose: 6/10

The midfielder was industrious and covered a lot of ground for his team. However, the lack of quality was quite apparent as Coutinho and Messi ran circles around him and his fellow midfielders in the first half. He did recover well in the second half and used the ball well.

Benat Etxebarria: 4/10

The Athletic Bilbao man, who enjoyed playing under Valverde, was anonymous. Playing in the midfield, he could not trouble Barcelona much and had to be taken off at halftime.

Markel Susaeta: 5/10

Though he started well, he faded as the match wore on. He did not trouble Alba much and did not quite track the runs of Alba, who looked dangerous. He should be disappointed as to how things turned out.

Raul Garcia: 5/10

The central attacking midfielder was fairly anonymous and was effectively marked out of the game by the metronomic Rakitic. Although he did improve significantly in the second half, he will look forward to improving his performance after a tough outing.

Inigo Lekue: 5.5/10

This was again a game to forget for Lekue, who has been one of the Bilbao's better player this season, barring this fixture. He struggled to cause too many problems and his final passes were poor. He failed to provide any end product as Bilbao struggled to score.

Sabin Merino: 5/10

Merino worked hard and tirelessly, but could not get better of Gerard Pique or Samuel Umtiti. His decision making was quite erratic and he never could get into any decent attacking positions or deliver a decent final ball.

Substitutes

Ander Itturaspe: 6.5/10

He was brought on for Etxebarria and helped Bilbao improve significantly after the break with his efficient and accurate passing.

Inaki Williams: 5/10

Brought on for Susaeta, he did not fare any better than the man he replaced. Slow and lethargic, he was contained quite easily by Barcelona defenders.

Aritz Aduriz: 6/10

Brought on with twenty minutes to play, he looked quite dangerous both in the air and on the ground. He had a late shot saved by Ter Stegen late in the game.

Barcelona

Messi had an amazing night

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6.5/10

Once again, he will be getting points for just his distributions. He was not tested much, barring a few shots from range which were either off target or lacked power.

Sergi Roberto: 8/10

The right-back was solid in defence and ever willing to join the attack whenever called upon. His passing was crisp and he made a few interesting runs on the right flank for Barcelona.

Gerard Pique: 7.5/10

Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence.

Samuel Umtiti: 7/10

This was a good game by the standards he has set for himself with his performances this season. He made important tackles and interceptions. He received a yellow from the referee for showing his temper a bit too much.

Jordi Alba: 7.5/10

Jordi Alba produced a great performance. He made a couple of penetrating runs in attack and provided quite a few fine deliveries including the assist for Paco's goal. Defensively, he was solid and ever-ready.

Philippe Coutinho: 7.5/10

Coutinho put in a good performance against Bilbao; he helped out in defence and used the ball wisely. He was influential in attack and gave a performance that we have been expecting from him.

Ivan Rakitic: 8/10

The Croatian International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park.

Paulinho: 7/10

The Brazilian was a willing runner in the midfield. He covered for his fullbacks and then contributed going forward as well. He looks to be getting back to his best after a below-par start to this year.

Ousmane Dembele: 7.5/10

The French youngster looked sharp and dictated things for Barcelona from the wings. His turns and touches were delightful to watch and suggest that he may have something delightful to offer to the Barca faithful in the years to come. Notably, he set up Leo Messi for Barcelona's second goal.

Dembele looked sharp

Paco Alcacer: 8/10

The Spaniard was a willing runner and pressed quite diligently. His runs and interplays were causing Bilbao's defenders a lot of problems and took his goal with aplomb and a level of precession we have been accustomed to.

Lionel Messi: 8.5/10

La Liga's top scorer of the season, Leo Messi was on fire today, especially in the first half. His fine finishing from outside of the box with a well-struck shot wrapped up the proceedings for Barca.

Substitutes

Andres Iniesta: 6/10

The veteran midfielder was brought on for Dembele after Barca had ceded midfield battle to Athletic Bilbao. His introduction allowed Barca to have that midfield superiority and control of the ball.

Aleix Vidal: 5/10

He was a late introduction in place of Coutinho. Though not afforded much time, his introduction helped Barca defend better.

Andre Gomes: N/A

Gomes came on with a little over five minutes remaining and had no time to impact the game.