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FC Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8/10
The German International was the standout performer in goal last night. He pulled off brilliant saves including a fine reflex save against Soriano in the first half apart from a number of routine saves. His distribution from the back was on spot too.
Sergi Roberto: 7.5/10
Back in his right-back role after Nelson Semedo was rested, 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 the wide players to cut in or put in a cross.
Gerard Pique: 7.5/10
Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won tackles, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence. He almost scored Barcelona's first with a fine header that came off the post.
Thomas Vermaelen: 7.5/10
The Belgian international put in a good performance at the heart of the defence. He did not shy away from challenges and played the ball out well.
Jordi Alba: 8.5/10
The Spanish international was immense last night. He owned the left-hand side of the pitch for Barcelona and was a serious attacking threat throughout the match. Defensively he was solid. Amazing outing by the fullback.
Ivan Rakitic: 6/10
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.
Sergio Busquets: 8/10
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.
Paulinho: 6.5/10
Paulinho put in a tireless shift last night. Though he wasn't much of a threat as he has been all season long, he was still influential as he helped out in defence and kept the ball well in tight spaces.
Denis Suarez: 5.5/10
The young midfielder had a rare poor game. Unimaginative in attack and generally lethargic, he struggled to have any significant say in the game. He was subbed off in the second half for Paco Alcacer.
Lionel Messi: 8/10
The diminutive Argentine scored yet another goal tonight, to equal Gerd Muller's record of most goals for a single club(525) in Europe's top-5 leagues. He scored Barcelona's second on the night and the only thing he did wrong was his freekick in the first half. He is absolutely deadly in that false nine role, as he dictated Barcelona's attacks from deep.
Luis Suarez: 8/10
The old Luisito seems to be on his way back. Took his goal well after some neat interplay between him, Messi and Alcacer. He worked hard all night and never shied away from any physical battles.
Substitutes:
Paco Alcacer: 7.5/10
brought on in the second half for Denis Suarez, his introduction meant Barcelona immediately looked way more threatening. Notably, he assisted Luis Suarez's goal.
Aleix Vidal: 6/10
He was brought on for Paulinho and kept things simple as he slotted well into the right wing.
Andre Gomes: N/A
Very late substitution, he did not have much time to influence the game.
