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| Messi and Suarez celebrate – Barça 6-2 Betis |
It was the perfect start to a new Liga season as Barça kicked off their title defence in style with a comfortable 6-2 against Andalusian club Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Saturday night.
Top Striker Luis Suarez grabbed a hat-trick, his 4th in his last six outings in the league while talisman Lionel Messi didn’t only get a brace and an assist, but also bossed the game, he controlled everything and his goals would be the least thing to classify his wonderful game. Arda Turan got the other goal as Barça send a warning to their rivals this season. Here is how the players fared during the game rated out of 10.
BARCELONA VS REAL BETIS PLAYER RATINGS
CLAUDIO BRAVO – 6.0
Not the best farewell party. The Chilean featured in his last game for Barça and didn’t do so well, conceding twice in the night. The first, a free kick, although it was powerful, the placement was near post and some sections of the fans thought he could’ve done better. Heading to Manchester City.
SERGI ROBERTO – 8.5
Bossed the right back position. Although slowed down in the second 45, his first half was something out of this world. He did everything right in both attack and defence and he was rewarded with two assists, the second a beautiful cut back pass to Suarez. It seems he’ll have no problems playing as a right back this season.
GERARD PIQUE – 7.0
Showcased Leadership in defence but didn’t have to do much. Had some misplaced passes but was good with his passing overall. Not a bad game, but equally not a good one, more good than bad though.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 8.0
Played like he’s been at the club for 2 decades. Showed unreal confidence and composure for a debutant who joined Barça from a club like Lyon. He won every aerial duel he took part in in and made some crucial clearances. His passing was second to none and it just looks like he’ll give the starting defenders a run for their money this season. A great signing already.
JORDI ALBA – 7.0
Preferred to Digne by Enrique at left back. Still not fully fit but had a good game, clearly aware of the competition posed by Digne. Did well to control the Messi pass and assisted Arda Turan for the opener. Replaced by Digne in the second half.
IVAN RAKITIC – 7.0
I don’t think he got a pass wrong. Superb work rate and helped immensely in both attack and defence. Made Sergi Roberto more comfortable on the right. He also had a chance to score.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 7.5
Was the leader in midfield in place of the absent Andres Iniesta. Looks to have regained full fitness and didn’t experience much stress controlling the midfield. A great performance.
DENIS SUAREZ – 7.5
Improved from his performance against Sevilla. Looked to have been watching Messi for long as he has a good understanding with the Argentine. Flowed in central midfield and wasn’t nervous whatsoever. He’s on the right path to greatness.
LIONEL MESSI – 10
Words can’t describe his performance. The least thing he did in the game was scoring two Screamers from outside the box and assisting Luis Suarez. He defies statistics as his performance was that of an angelic demon. He played everywhere, did everything right, hit the post, started the build up for the opener… if a ‘perfect game’ had a surname it’d be Messi’s performance against Real Betis. Sad we can only give him a 10/10.
LUIS SUAREZ – 9.0
The pichichi winner ain’t done yet. The Uruguayan netted his first hat-trick of the season, his 4th hat-trick in 6 La Liga games. This is just unreal. First goal was a typical strikers finish, second a tap-in into an empty net thanks to Messi while the third was a free kick from 30 yards that left the goalkeeper clueless like a sack of potatoes. The Pichichi should be scared.
ARDA TURAN – 8.0
Getting better and better each game. Like I always said, he’s very good on the wing and he’s done well in the absence of Neymar. Opened the scoring on the 6th minute, his 3rd goal in two games. He also did well to link up with Messi for Suarez’s second goal. A great performance.
SUBSTITUTES…
MUNIR EL HADDADI – 6.5
Replaced Denis Suarez in the second half and he looked sharp in the game. Did well when called upon but Betis had already been buried. Would make a good fourth forward.
LUCAS DIGNE – 6.0
Replaced Jordi Alba towards the end of the game and the game had been killed off. Didn’t do bad.