Barcelona
Claudio Bravo – 6
The Barcelona shot-stopper could not do much in saving the two goals from Villarreal, one of which came of his own teammate in Jeremy Mathieu. He did well not to have conceded more goals in the game. He was good with his handling and reflexes, but he could not stop the hosts from earning corners.
Sergi Roberto – 6
The young Spaniard, who has won a call-up to the national side, was in the side as a right-back in the first hour. But as Dani Alves came on, he was shifted to the midfield. He was anonymous at times for the Catalans as he operated in midfield in the second half. He went forward at other times but could not produce anything worth a mention.
Gerard Pique – 5
Pique was not very impressive on the day. He did make some tackles and interceptions during his time on the pitch. He was lucky not to be sent of for a second yellow when he clearly handled the ball in the second half. But he was swiftly replaced by Jeremy Mathieu for not having the best of games. He was not replaced due to injury, it could have been tactical, but the change did not work as Barca conceded soon after Pique went.
Javier Mascherano – 6
The Argentine had a commanding game at the back as always and made some crunching tackles with precise timing and was often the last man to stop the likes of Soldado and Bakambu. He read the game well and helped Barca in not conceding more than two.
Jordi Alba – 5
The Spanish international did not have the best of games. He was average on the day, and a better team with slightly better players would have exploited his side of the flank. He did go forward, but produced nothing at all other than passes to Neymar and Suarez.
Sergio Busquets – 6
The Spanish international was very good in breaking up the play whenever the hosts went forward. He also did well in helping his side to defend when they were under pressure. The Barcelona man passed the ball quickly to his forward players whenever he could. Overall, a typical performance from Busquets.
Ivan Rakitic – 8
The Croatian midfielder was playing in the heart of midfield as always and had a good game. He dictated the tempo of the game as Barca had possession. He responded well when he was in possession. Rakitic scored the first goal for his side and was unlucky not to add a second to his name.
Arda Turan – 5
The Turkish international had replaced the midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta, but he was not anywhere near like him. He could not stamp his authority in midfield for the visitors and he was replaced by Luis Enrique before the hour mark.
Lionel Messi – 5
The Argentine was not quite his best on the day. He was not assured in possession in the second half of the game and did not look like his usual self. But he still managed to play a part in both the goals for his side.
Neymar – 6
The Brazilian was very bright as the game started and was rewarded with a goal at the stroke of half-time as he won a penalty and then scored the same to give Barca a 2-goal advantage. He became a bit jaded as the game progressed but created chances and came back to defend when required.
Luis Suarez – 5
The Uruguayan striker was missing for most part of the game. Like Messi, he was also present in the game in phases. His effort to fight for the ball from the corner led the ball to Rakitic. He was not consistent and failed to convert the few chances he got.
Substitutes
Dani Alves – 6
The right-back came on for Arda Turan in the 57th minute and played his role without a flaw. He defended well, and provided some crosses late in the game.
Jeremy Mathieu – 4
The former Valencia man was brought on late to replace Gerard Pique in the 55th minute and he was miserable. He scored the own goal to help Villarreal level the scores at 2-2. He gave away the ball too often, and could not clear the ball in time.
