UEFA Champions League 2017/18: Sporting CP 0-1 FC Barcelona, Player Ratings

Barcelona were narrow winners against Sporting
Barcelona were narrow winners against Sporting

Barcelona

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FC Barcelona players celebrating the goal

Ter Stegen: 7.5/10

The German International was a standout performer in goal last night. This week he will be getting points mostly for his distribution. He was not tested much barring one moment when he denied Fernandez one-on-one in the dying moments of the match. He did make a few routine saves.

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.

Semedo: 7/10

Back in his right-back role after being rested in Liga, he produced an amazing performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in the attack along with recycling the ball well. In defence, he was solid and never allowed Acuna to cut in or put in a cross.

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 Sporting's attack at bay and never looked threatened.

Alba: 7.5/10

After a disappointing last season, the diminutive Spaniard seems to be hitting top form. He ran up and down the field and was defensively solid, never conceding even an inch of space to Gelson.

Busquets: 7/10

Another typical Busquets performance. He shielded the back four, broke up play and acted like a deep-lying playmaker. He should be looking forward to a great season.

Iniesta: 8/10

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.

Rakitic: 7/10

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 last season.

Roberto: 7.5/10

Starting as a right winger, Roberto was almost unplayable in the first half. He dribbled past players for fun, his passing was immaculate and his link-up play great as he floated around the pitch.

Suarez: 6/10

The Uruguayan striker is having a quite poor 2017. Last night was no different. He did work hard for his team and linked well with his teammates but lacked any cutting edge which he is famous for. He did force the Sebastian Coates' own goal.

Messi: 6.5/10

Just like the last Liga game, Messi failed to exert any sort of control on the match. Although he did try a lot, the end product just wasn't there. Will be looking to bounce back again.

Substitutes

Paulinho: 6/10

Came on late in the game and helped retain possession as well as defend.

Gomes: N/A

Vidal: N/A

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