'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6.5/10
This is the second consecutive week when he will be getting points for just his distributions. He was not tested much bar one moment when he denied Sobrino one-on-one.
Sergi Roberto: 7/10
Chosen ahead of Semedo to play as a right-back, the Spaniard gave a decent performance. He was constantly running up and down the pitch and linked well with Aleix Vidal on the right.
Gerard Pique: 7/10
The experienced Spaniard was a calm head at the heart of Barca's defence and brought the ball out quite well. He was dominant in the air, both in his box as well as the opposition. He even won a penalty for Barcelona, which Messi missed.
Samuel Umtiti: 7/10
The Frenchman, alongside Gerard Pique, had one of the easier games of his career. Always aggressive and willing to get into a tackle, he kept Alaves' attack at bay. However, he earned his yellow card in a rather stupid manner.
Jordi Alba: 7.5/10
After a disappointing last season, the diminutive Spaniard seems to be hitting top form. He provided the assist for Messi's first and himself had a great chance of adding a third for Barcelona.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
Another typical Busquets performance. He shielded the back four, broke up play and acted like a deep-lying playmaker. He will be looking forward to a great season.
Ivan Rakitic: 6.5/10
Rakitic worked tirelessly throughout the game. He attacked, though with limited creativity and then tracked back enthusiastically for the entire 90 minutes. The Croatian however, needs to up his attacking game to be a fulcrum of the Barcelona midfield in the days to come.
Andres Iniesta: 7.5/10
Starting his first match in La Liga 17/18, 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.
Aleix Vidal: 6.5/10
He did start brightly and linked well with Roberto on his side but faded away as the match progressed. He was taken off for Alcacer.
Lionel Messi: 8.5/10
The milestone man scored a brace and in the process became the first man to score 350 goals in La Liga. He did miss a penalty and his bad luck with crossbar continued as well. However, unsurprisingly, he was Barca's best player on the pitch.
Gerard Deulofeu: 7/10
The Spanish International started brilliantly but appeared to have faded out as game progressed. He, however was still influential for them and put in a good shift. Though he did put in great effort, he clearly isn't Barca class yet.
Substitutes
Paco Alcacer: 7/10
He provided the assist for Messi's second goal but would have been disappointed to yet again play out of position at left-wing after coming on. His form needs to improve drastically if he has to have a shot at a starting spot.
Denis Suarez: 6/10
Late substitute for Paco Alcacer.
Paulinho: N/A
