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FC Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo as they looked to further consolidate their lead in the standings. The first half was a cagey affair with both the teams trying to go one up on the other. The first break of the match was grabbed by Celta Vigo, following a fine counter-attack. However, their lead did not last long as Barcelona then equalised just two minutes later.
The second half was quite similar to the first. Barcelona took the lead following some neat teamwork between Messi, Alba and finally Suarez. However, Celta did equalise with just ten minutes to go. The match ended in a draw.
Let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams.
Barcelona
Ter Stegen: 8/10
The German International was the standout performer in goal He pulled off brilliant saves including two one on ones in each half, apart from a number of routine saves. He could have done nothing about the goals.
Sergi Roberto: 7.5/10
Amazing, solid and reliable. The Spaniard, returning to his familiar right-back role was solid defensively. He absolutely owned the right side of Barcelona half marauding up and down the pitch.
Gerrard Pique: 7/10
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. However, he was troubled quite a bit by Celta forwards movements, he was generally more solid.
Samuel Umtiti: 6/10
The France international put in a decent performance at the heart of the defence. He did not shy away from challenges and played the ball out well but was often all over the place when dealing with Aspas's movements.
Jordi Alba: 8/10
The Spanish fullback, was immense last night. He took on players in attack, got an assist for himself and never allowed any Celta player to have any sort of joy on his side. However, he was caught out of positions a couple of times on the counter attacks.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
The Spanish 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: 8/10
Written off and ridiculed, this Brazilian international certainly knows how to shut his critics up. He was almost always a threat in attack. Amazing match for him which will boost his confidence a lot. However, for all his good works, his finishing was quite off as he could not direct two of Barca's best chances inside the post.
Iniesta: 6/10
The World Cup winner looked sharp and dictated things for Barcelona from the midfield. His turns and touches were delightful to watch and suggest that he may have a few years worth of top-level football in his tank.
Ivan Rakitic: 8/10
The Croat 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 season.
Luis Suarez: 7.5/10
Luis Suarez did everything right today, a rare sight considering his form and performance this season. He pressed defenders, he ran the channels, hold up play, crossing, everything. He assisted Barca's second with a fine first-time finish.
Messi: 9.5/10
The diminutive Argentine finally scored a goal tonight, a common sight this season but after a dry spell of three matches. He scored Barcelona's first on the night and the only thing he did wrong was his freekick in the second half. He is absolutely deadly in that false nine role as he dictated Barcelona's attacks from deep.
Substitutions
Vermaelen: 6.5/10
He came on for an injured Umtiti and had little to do as Celta had taken their foot off the gas by then.
Denis Suarez: 6.5/10
Suarez seems to be growing in his role at Barca. It was a great performance from the youngster, who had a goal and a couple of silky touches and turns to show for.
Paco Alcacer: 5.5/10
Late substitution as Barca went for the winner. He missed a glorious heading opportunity from a delicious Roberto cross.
Celta Vigo
Ruben Blanco: 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 Paulinho's header.
Daniel Wass: 7.5/10
Played in an unfamiliar right-back role, Wass was absolutely solid. He covered a lot of ground and was almost always up there in support when attacking. Defensively, he was decent but could not stop the deadly Messi-Alba combination.
Sergi Gomez: N/A
Unfortunately, he went off injured in the first minute itself.
Andreu Fontas: 7/10
Fontas was excellent up against Luis Suarez, sticking tight to him and not allowing the Uruguayan an easy path to the goal. He was physical and aggressive without crossing the line.
Hugo Mallo: 6/10
Defending the left flank for Celta, he put in a fairly decent performance. He was troubled a bit whenever Roberto overlapped and in general got better of him. Attacking, he was left a bit handicapped as he is a right-back by trade.
Brais Mendez: 6.5/10
He was one of Celta's better players. A disciplined display from Mendez, who spent much of the first half tracking back and defending. He fulfilled his duties well and used the ball neatly too.
Stanislav Lobotka:6.5/10
Lobotka had a decent game. Though he was not much influential in the first half, he came out on top in the midfield battle against Barca’s midfield during the final 45 minutes. His distribution was efficient if not eye-catching.
Jozabed Sanchez: 6/10
The midfielder was combative and very efficient in possession. He was intelligent in distribution and defended resolutely. However, he faded as the match wore on and was beaten too easily in the second half.
Pione Sisto: 5/10
Playing on the left side for Celta Vigo, he could not muster up much of a challenge for a makeshift right-back, Sergi Roberto. He was slow to react and was off the frequency on which his teammates played. He played Jordi Alba on for Barcelona's second goal.
Iago Aspas: 8/10
He was Celta's best player by a country mile today. His movements were amazing and his link-up play sublime. He often outfoxed the whole Barcelona defence line and created both of the Celta goals, one which he finished himself. Amazing outing.
Maxi Gomez: 7/10
The forward made an excellent run across the box before converting Celta's second. He produced some excellent touches and was dangerous on the break.
Substitutes
Gustavo Cabral: 6/10
Brought on for Sergi Gomez in the first minute itself, his performance was decent. Just like his defensive partner, Cabral was solid for the most part of the game. However, the gap in quality began to show up as the game progressed.
Facundo Roncaglia: 5/10
He was brought on in the second half to play on the left side of the defence. He was not up to the pace of the game and was all over the place while defending.
Pablo Hernandez: N/A
Late substitution, did not have much time to influence the game.
