Barcelona 0-3 Juventus: 5 hits and flops as Cristiano Ronaldo's brace sinks the Catalans | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Hit: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Messi had a stormer tonight but couldn't top it with a goal

This had to be one of Messi's best performances this calendar year without actually scoring. The Barcelona skipper mustered seven shots on target himself, the most by any player in a European game since 2003-04. He stemmed everything good that came through the home side.

He literally ran the show for Barcelona with his electric runs through the lines, twisting Juventus defenders inside out. With nine dribbles attempted on the night, the Argentine ace seemed up for the mighty task. However, his team mates, once again, let him down.

Some credit goes to the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon too. The 42-year old custodian pulled off amazing saves to deny him, and gained some measure of redemption for the hammering Messi delivered him in 2017.

Flop: Francisco Trincao (Barcelona)

Trincao is yet to come of age at Barcelona

We could've gone with anyone from the Barcelona side here, because pretty much everyone was disappointing barring Messi, of course. But Trincao gets the spot here because the youngster spurned a great chance to impress.

On a rare start today, and moreover against such a big side on a big occasion, the stage was set for the 20-year old to announce his breakthrough. Instead, he was nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps the game was a bit too fast for him. Trincao also had some of the least touches on the ball than any player. It's still early days for him, but the Barca faithfuls are hoping the winger finds his feet sooner than later.

Hit: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Buffon was in top form against Barcelona, making seven saves in all!

We just couldn't leave him out. The ageless Juventini turned back the calendar with a stellar performance between the sticks. He made seven saves on the night, all against Messi alone.

In a game of high stakes like this where the Bianconeri needed a huge win to secure top spot, Andrea Pirlo's decision to start him in goal ahead of Szczesny might have seemed risky initially.

42-year-old Gianluigi Buffon has just kept a Champions League clean sheet at Camp Nou after making seven saves against Barcelona.He's older than his manager Andrea Pirlo. 🍷 pic.twitter.com/0nory4QuSn

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 8, 2020

Buffon rarely plays, but mustered every ounce of his experience and goalkeeping expertise to shut out the hosts, or Messi, to be particular.