Barcelona managed to continue their run of good league form by beating Sporting Gijon 6-1. Here are the player ratings for the match.
Barcelona fans needed something to feel good about after a rough end to February. The fans got exactly what they’ve been wanting to see. That would be a masterclass performance from the Catalans. Barca managed to defeat Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday. With 5 different goalscorers and an own goal, Barca took care of business on the pitch. However, there is a lot of news to get to. Here are the player ratings for the match.
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre ter Stegen (7)
Barca did allow one goal in this match. However, there wasn’t much the German keeper could do about it. Because of Barca’s great goalscoring prowess, ter Stegen simply watched for the most part.
Defenders
Javier Mascherano (6.5)
He didn’t play that well even though he just came back from rest. Despite the rust, he did well to assist Messi’s opener. He didn’t feel comfortable as a right-back, but he managed to fight through it.
Samuel Umtiti (5.5)
Umtiti also didn’t perform as good as he’s capable of doing. He didn’t react well enough to the shot that led to Sporting’s only goal. He grew into the match as the game went on.
Jordi Alba (6)
Jordi played a little bit out of position at center-back. This means he couldn’t attack down the flank like he normally does. That’s what a different formation can do to some players.
Midfielders
Ivan Rakitic (7.5)
Rakitic scored the 6th goal late in the match. He was able to get forward more when Messi was subbed off early in the second half.
Sergio Busquets (5.5)
Another tough performance from the usually reliable Busquets. It was him getting beat that allowed Sporting to get their goal in this match. He must get better soon because the team needs him at his best for the PSG clash.
Denis Suarez (6.5)
Like Umtiti, Denis got off to a slow start. However, he managed to find his way into the match. He must be less timid with the ball and decisions have to be made quicker.
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Rafinha (6)
He worked hard to create things through other players. His link up play with Rakitic is a prim example of this. He has to finish the chances he’s getting from other players.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (8.5)
Messi once again finds the scoresheet, but in an unconventional way. The little magician scored off of a header and then assisted Paco Alcacer later in the match. He’s simply brilliant.
Luis Suarez (7.5)
Suarez forced the own goal off of his shot attempt. In addition, he scored on a wonderful volley in the box. He, like Messi, received an early rest in the second half.
Neymar (8.5)
Neymar had been missing the scoring ability that brought him to the Camp Nou. However, his drought ended with a scintillating free kick in the second half. Hopefully, he has more goals to come.
Substitutes
Paco Alcacer (7): He got back on the scoresheet and was given significant playing time in this match.
Andre Gomes and Sergi Roberto (6,5.5) received good playing time and contributed well when they could.
Manager
Luis Enrique (8)
Lucho got creative once again. His formation was a unique 3-4-3 look with three center backs in defense. Hopefully, we see more Lucho thinking outside of the box. He’ll need to do very well against PSG next week.