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| Neymar, Messi and Suarez celebrate vs Leganes |
FC Barcelona rediscovered their winning form in La Liga after they comprehensively beat newly-promoted side Leganes 5-1 away from home at the Burtaque on Saturday afternoon to take them top of the table for the time being.
Star man Lionel Messi scored twice for the Catalans while Neymar, Luis Suarez and Rafinha Alcantara grabbed the other goals to give Barça a well-deserved three points, making it three wins in four games for the Champions. Here is how the players fared in the game against Leganes.
LEGANES 1-5 BARCELONA: PLAYER RATINGS
MARC ANDRE TER STEGEN – 7.0
Was great during the game especially with his feet as he used them to solve problems on numerous occasions. Made a great save to deny Machis and was quite unlucky not to keep the clean sheet.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 6.5
Not the best game for the Argentine as he continues to struggle in regaining his form. Was easily beaten on many occasions and looked quite shaky. He did some good things too though, with the most significant a very good clearance to deny the visitors a chance.
GERARD PIQUE – 7.5
A solid game from the midfielder. His passing was top draw as he dictated the fluidity of the game in Barça’s half. Saved Umtiti and Mascherano from blemishes on numerous occasions. A good game from Barça’s leader in defence.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 8.0
Another wonderful performance from the Frenchman. Made some mistakes but made up with excellent tackles. Also made some really good clearances for the team and won a lot of duels. His composure and passing were great and it just looks like he’s the signing of the summer already.
RAFINHA ALCANTARA – 8.0
Was given a surprise starting spot by Luis Enrique and he made the most of it. Was terrific in attack and also in defence, his work rate was magnificent and he played with great enthusiasm. Was rewarded for his great display with a goal in the second half, the goal of the game as he sent a beautiful and powerful curler from outside the box to beat Serantes.
IVAN RAKITIC – 6.5
Not his best game as he looked tired and off. Couldn’t engineer play in midfield like he often does. However, he commanded his area on occasions. A fair display as he was subbed off for Arda Turan.
ANDRES INIESTA – 7.0
The captain returned to the starting lineup and did pretty well as usual. Moved the ball around very well and made some really impressive clearances in defence. Was greeted with a huge standing ovation after being subbed off for Denis Suarez in the second half despite not having his best game.
JORDI ALBA – 7.5
Like I said before, Alba has really improved since Digne’s arrival. He looked good playing in his natural position against Leganes and was a terror to the Leganes defence. Was great.
LIONEL MESSI – 8.5
Grabbed a brace in simple fashion and came very close twice to getting his hat-trick. Was crowded by the Leganes player but always looked dangerous whenever he got the ball. Suarez created his first goal and he returned the favour by unselfishly creating one for Suarez. Good game.
LUIS SUAREZ – 8.5
Would’ve gotten a higher rating had he finished the game but was subbed off for Alcacer. Had a hand in Barça’s first four goals, assisted Messi for the first, scored the second, assisted Neymar for the third and played the pass to Neymar that gave the Brazilian the chance to win the penalty for Messi’s second. He was magnificent.
NEYMAR – 8.5
Almost scored from a bicycle kick but fired over the bar. Was later fed by Luis Suarez for a tap-in. Didn’t have the best first half but exploded in the second, tearing Leganes defence apart and winning a penalty. He was literally Barça’s best player of the second half. Picked up a yellow for dissent.
SUBSTITUTES…
PACO ALCACER – 6.0
Replaced Luis Suarez in the second half and was unlucky not to get his first goal for the club. Had the ball in the back of the net but was called off for offside. Still adapting and didn’t see much of the ball.
ARDA TURAN – 7.0
Replaced Ivan Rakitic and did a lot in a very short time. Made some important ball recoveries and also was great linking up with his teammates. He’s having a really good season.
DENIS SUAREZ – 6.0
Came on for Andres Iniesta and didn’t really do much as the game was done.