Their 2-1 win was soured with the sad news that star man Lionel Messi will be out for up to eight weeks but they did well in coping without him
Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga after they defeated newcomers Las Palmas 2-1 at the Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from striker Luis Suarez ensured the Catalans move to second spot on the log just a point behind Villarreal in a win that saw talisman Lionel Messi pick up a nasty knee injury in which Medics confirmed he will be out for 7-8 weeks.
FlyBarca rate the players in an encounter that saw Sergi Roberto invincible once again at right-back and Luis Suarez and Rakitic impressing.
Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Las Palmas
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 7.0
Was frustrated after he conceded a late Las Palmas goal off a Mascherano mistake and Pique deflection as he continued his streak without a clean-sheet. Was good himself as he made two good saves to deny Wakaso and Araujo.
Sergi Roberto – 9.0
It is now crystal clear that he is much better at right-back than in midfield. Got everything right both in attack and defence. His magnificent cross set up Luis Suarez for Barça’s first goal. Another superb performance.
Marc Bartra – 6.5
Was called upon just on few occasions and he was solid as he always used to be. His passing was precise and wasn’t at fault in any part.
Gerard Pique – 6.5
Started in defence and like Bartra, didn’t do much. His most glaring contribution was deflecting Jonathan Viera’s shot into the net, mistakenly though.
Adriano – 6.0
Just can’t fill Alba’s shoes. Wasn’t seen helping Barcelona in attack and was more focused doing defensive works at the back.
Javier Mascherano – 6.5
Would have gotten a higher rating was it not for his careless error that gave Las Palmas a goal and almost cost Barça two points. Almost got his first Barça goal with a rocket-like shot from outside the box that was finger-tipped by the keeper. A good performance overall in midfield.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5
Playing in a pivot role due to the presence of Mascherano and he really impressed. Controlled the midfield well whilst wearing the Captain armband. Dummied Munir’s pass for Suarez to score his second.
Ivan Rakitic – 7.0
Was great! Helped the team a lot with his powerful and tireless display. Wasn’t involved in attack as he was supposed to but improved from his previous games.
Lionel Messi – 6.5
Surprise rating? Yes. Played less than five minutes made 5 passes, created one chance, made a dribble, had one shot. Later subbed off with a knee injury.
Luis Suarez – 9.0
Broke the deadlock with a beautiful striker’s header after jumping higher than his marker. Scored his and Barça’s second with a powerful shot into the top left-hand corner. Could have gotten a hat-trick but was denied by the goalkeeper when he should have scored. A great performance!
Neymar – 6.0
Got a new but surprising haircut and this led to his ineffectiveness maybe as he didn’t contribute much to the Barça attack as usual but took up a Messi-like role somehow. Blasted a penalty over the bar in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES…
Munir El Haddadi – 7.0
Replaced Messi and contributed immensely to the win as he played Sergi Roberto in space in the build-up to the first goal and got an assist for the second through a pass from the right.
Sandro Ramirez – 6.0
Replaced Munir late in the second half and had a shot.