Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla – Messi rules

FC Barcelona won their 7th Spanish Super Cup title in 11 years after they defeated Jorge Sampaoli Sevilla team 3-0 in the second leg of their encounter, beating the Andalusian side 5-0 on aggregate.

A brace from Arda Turan and a magnificent header from Lionel Messi ensured FC Barcelona win their first trophy of the new 2016/2017 season and their third in the year 2016.

The game saw new signings Samuel Umtiti and Andre Gomes make their official debuts as players of FC Barcelona and both players were convincing. Here are the players rated out if ten according to their performance in the game against Sevilla.

CLAUDIO BRAVO – 9.0
The goalkeeper gave one of his best performances in a Barcelona shirt. He made two great saves early on to deny Ben Yedder from giving Sevilla an early lead and also covered the blushes of Samuel Umtiti after saving a penalty in the first half. Bravo is set to join Manchester City and he showed that Barça might be making a mistake by letting him go. A wonderful performance.

ALEIX VIDAL – 6.5
Wasn’t bad, but wasn’t spectacular either. He was close to setting up Lionel Messi but also had some bad moments of being caught out of position and giving the ball away. Will compete with Sergi Roberto for the right back spot.

JAVIER MASCHERANO – 6.0
Almost cost Barça a goal in the first half. Didn’t do much in defence, picked up an injury and was subbed off with ten minutes left to play. Will be out for a week with a hamstring strain.

SAMUEL UMTITI – 8.0
A very good debut blemished only by the penalty he conceded by a careless hand ball in the box which saw him booked. Otherwise, he was awesome. His passing is sublime and he made a couple of important clearances and defensive blocks. Will help the team a lot.

LUCAS DIGNE – 8.5
Once again, he showed why Jordi Alba will be in trouble this season for that left back spot. Was very sharp, great in defence and dangerous in attack. Didn’t do anything wrong and he got the assist for Messi’s goal via a beautiful cross from the left flank. A good signing.

SERGIO BUSQUETS – 7.0
Still not 100% sharp but looked a lot better than he was in the first leg and the Joan Gamper game. Gaining match fitness as the games go by, will click soon. Replaced by Sergi Samper in the second half.

DENIS SUAREZ – 6.0
Put up a great performance in the first leg but didn’t do so well in the second. Gave the ball away on numerous occasions and didn’t create much. Was subbed off for Ivan Rakitic in the second half.

ANDRE GOMES – 7.5
Great official debut for the Portuguese. The star filled in for Andres Iniesta perfectly well and played with great composure. Played a crucial role in two of Barça’s three goals and didn’t get a foot wrong. Great game.

LIONEL MESSI – 9.5
Killed it once again. Was the best player on the pitch. Set up Barça’s first goal and scored the third but also mesmerized irrespective of the goal and assist. Took total control without Neymar and Luis Suarez beside him and wowed the Camp Nou crowd who couldn’t stop chanting his name. Great.

MUNIR EL HADDADI – 6.5
A good game for the youngster who started in central attack ahead of Luis Suarez. His confidence has really improved and some sections of the fan base want him to be the fourth striker.

ARDA TURAN – 8.5
Started on the wing in place of the unavailable Neymar and delivered his best performance since joining Barça. Scored twice, both goals products of great technique. Looks much better on the wing than in central midfield.

SUBSTITUTES…

JORDI ALBA – 6.0
Came on for Lucas Digne after the hour mark but didn’t do much. It’s his first game since last season so no problem.

SERGI SAMPER – 6.0
Replaced Sergio Busquets with 15 minutes left to play and didn’t have the chance to perform as the game was already done and dusted.

IVAN RAKITIC – 6.5
Came on for Denis Suarez and was forced to play in central defence for the final ten minutes after Mascherano was brought off injured with all subs exhausted. Forced a save from Rico moments after coming on.