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Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7/10
The German goalkeeper will not have too many easier games. Because the Betis attackers were struggling so much to get forward, ter Stegen had very little to do and that is why he cannot be rated higher.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Another typical Jordi Alba performance, without the concrete impact. The left-back got forward whenever he could and continued his great linkup with Messi; but he could play even better than he did
Thomas Vermaelen – 6/10
More injury trouble could harm Vermaelen’s form and that would be tough for the Belgian to take because he has been so solid lately. But he lost the ball a few times early on and will face a wait to get back into the side after being replaced by Samuel Umtiti just before halftime.
Gerard Pique – 7/10
A typically solid game from Pique, but nothing else is to be expected. As Sergio Leon and Tello pushed up against him, he was calmness personified and his ability on the ball shone through. Like ter Stegen, Barcelona’s defensive talisman will have tougher challenges, but he did not put a foot wrong all game.
Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Semedo needed a big display because Sergi Roberto, Barcelona’s Mr Versatile and the man who makes any system work for Ernesto Valverde, has been making the right-back spot his own. But a tactical reshuffle saw him push up the field and Semedo was able to showcase his talent, particularly his blistering pace.
Sergio Busquets – 7/10
It is rare that Sergio Busquets makes the headlines, but that is the biggest compliment that can be paid to the best defensive midfielder in the world. His job is understated, but he is missed whenever he isn’t there; the interception for Messi’s first goal showed what he brings to the game, winning the ball high up the pitch and playing a simple but effective pass.
Ivan Rakitic – 8/10
At a time when the game was crying out for penetration of some kind from midfield, Rakitic stepped up. Playing alongside Busquets in a midfield two, the Croatian was able to push on as the match went on, and he did so at a crucial time by latching onto Suarez’s pass to finish coolly before returning the favour and grabbing an assist for the Uruguayan.
As the game went on, his impact became greater and he was certainly one of Barcelona’s standout players in end.
Andre Gomes – 6/10
This was yet another opportunity for Gomes to shine, especially in the absence of Iniesta, but perhaps, the system didn’t suit him.
The Portuguese midfielder lined up on the left of a midfield four and was not able to get the space he needed to impact the game. There were a few nice touches here and there, but nothing to write home about; it is clear his days as a Barcelona player are numbered.
Sergi Roberto – 8/10
Valverde clearly loves what Sergi Roberto brings to his side and it is not hard to see why. He played on the right of midfield and his energy, work-rate and crossing ability were fantastic, but he wasn’t afraid to cut inside and make runs from deep himself, even having a chance to open the scoring in the first half.
Manchester City and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in him, but Sergi Roberto has a vital role to play in Valverde’s Barça.
Lionel Messi – 9/10
The first half frustration was clear for Messi and he responded in the only way he knows how. The Barcelona number ten is not necessarily at his best when he’s scoring, but rather when he is picking the ball up from deep and dictating the play through the pitch.
He doubled his side’s lead within minutes of it being established and from then on it was like a training game for him, with another brace being added to his tally as well as an assist for Suarez's goal. His impact was typified by a pirouette around three or four Betis players in his own half late on; in the end, it was definitely vintage Messi.
Luis Suarez – 9/10
Like Messi, Suarez’s impact grew after a quiet start. The striker had been isolated and easily patrolled by the Betis defence before the break, but he ended up making a mockery of those same players and netting a brace, including a typically sweet volley from a Rakitic cross.
His two assists show just how much of an impact he has in a wider sense, but he is there to score goals and he has eight in seven games.
Substitutes:
Samuel Umtiti – 7/10
Enjoyed a solid return to action after injury; a vital player for Barcelona to have back in their side.
Paulinho – 6/10
Came on at a time that could have been crucial had it not been for Betis’ capitulation, added further power to the midfield when he came on.
Gerard Deulofeu – N/A
Expected to leave this summer, and although he missed a chance towards the end, he does not seem to have a big role to play at the club.
