After a not-up-to-par team performance against Almeria, Barca were lucky enough to have avoided another set back in the Liga with a narrow 2-1 win. FlyBarca rates the Players.
BARCELONA RATINGS Claudio Bravo: 6.5
The Chilean could do nothing to Thievy’s goal and seemed brave, getting on the end of dead balls.
Adriano Correira: 6.0 Was clearly not in his best form as he’s just returning from injury, could have set up a goal.
Javier Mascherano: 7.5 One of Barca’s best players of the evening, his strength, commitment and spirit was crucial to the comeback.
Marc Bartra: 6.5 Not a bad performance from the CB but his pace let him down against a speedy Thievy for Almeria’s goal.
Jordi Alba: 7.0 Got the crucial winner on the 83rd minute with a professional goal after getting on the end of Suarez’ lob cross.
Sergio Busquets: 5.5 Totally off-form, not like the Busi we know, couldn’t control the midfield as usual and played without strength, was subbed off for Xavi.
Ivan Rakitic: 6.5 An average performance by the Croatian but his versatility proved a bargain.
Rafinha: 6.5 The youngster played the whole game and looked promising when getting forward.
Munir El-Haddadi: 6.0 Didn’t trouble the Almeria back line but his lob cross for Messi almost led to a goal. Was subbed off at half time for Neymar.
Pedro Rodriguez: 5.5 I almost didn’t see him in the game. Was totally quiet and was subbed off for Suarez.
Lionel Messi: 7.0 Not a bad performance from the Argentine as he hit the woodwork twice and missed a glorious chance to make it 3-1 at the end. His error led to Almeria’s goal though.
SUBS Neymar: 7.5 Occasionally troubled the Almeria defenders with his tricks and had his impact felt by scoring the equaliser.
Luis Suarez: 9.0 An astonishing performance for the Uruguayan. Clearly the best player of the evening as he totally changed the game. Hit the woodwork with a stunning acrobatic shot and set up Barcelona two goals. (MAN OF THE MATCH)
XAVI: 7.0 Was the missing piece at Barcelona midfield. Controlled possession well and organised the team. A good performance.