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| Sporting Gijon 0-5 Barça – Player Ratings |
FC Barcelona closed the gap on Real Madrid at the summit of the Liga table after they comfortably defeated Sporting Gijon 5-0 at El Molinon to register their 13th point of the season and go second on the log, one point behind leaders Real Madrid.
The Catalan club played without their star man Lionel Messi but didn’t have much trouble causing troubles for their opponents as a Neymar brace along with one goal each from Luis Suarez, Rafinha Alcantara and Arda Turan ensured the Catalans get the result they needed. Here is how the players fared without Leo.
SPORTING GIJON 0-5 BARCELONA – PLAYER RATINGS
MARC ANDRE TER STEGEN – 6.5
Made a comical blunder by handling the ball outside the 18-yard box and was lucky not to pick up a card. Also made some mistakes with his passing and will have Pique to thank. Made some good saves however. Average game.
SERGI ROBERTO – 8.5
Was easily the best player of the game. Man of the Match by a mile. The 24-year old commanded his position and everything he touched turned into gold. Got himself two assists with beautiful crosses and was also indirectly involved in one more. Also forced a red card off Lora with his dazzling pace. Played like a boss. Dani Alves will be proud.
GERARD PIQUE – 7.5
People won’t notice his work because Barça scored 5. He was solid and was the main reason Barça kept a clean sheet. Made some good interceptions, clearances and tackles and his passing was also sublime. Led in defence well, he’s having a good season already.
JEREMY MATHIEU – 7.5
His best game in months.. the Frenchman who has been recently under fire by a lot of Barça fans pulled up a great performance partnering Gerard Pique in defence. He was Barça’s highest passer of the game and also pulled up some really great tackles.. there will be no problems if he continues playing at this level.
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.0
Not his best game but far from a bad game. The star has really done well whenever he’s given the chance so far, has shown to be a really good backup for Alba although he needs to improve in some of his attacking aspects. Was great in defence and played with great composure.
RAFINHA – 7.0
Started in place of Rakitic and didn’t disappoint. Was fouled almost every time he got the ball but kept on working hard and was rewarded with a goal. He will help Barça a lot this season.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 6.5
Was great with his passing but looked off the pace.. however, he was the problem solver in midfield, correcting every faults and he acted like the captain he was. Was subbed off for Denis Suarez in the second half.
ANDRE GOMES – 7.0
Was passing, passing and passing.. and doing them well. Got two shots on goal and played really impressively and linked up well with his teammates.
ARDA TURAN – 8.0
Great game for the rejuvenated star. Was one of Barça’s best passers of the game and really played with great fluid in the centre. Set up Luis Suarez for Barça’s opener with a fine pass and got one goal himself. He’s having a wonderful season.
LUIS SUAREZ – 7.0
Returned to goalscoring form after firing blank against Atletico Madrid by grabbing Barça’s first goal, rounding Cuellar and slotting into an empty net, his 5th Liga goal of the season and 8th in all competitions. Was replaced by Alcacer in the second half.
NEYMAR – 8.0
Misplaced a lot of passes as he tried to be creative playing in that Number 10 role. Still had a good game as he was dangerous in attack, ended the game with a brace and was unlucky not to grab a hattrick after his shot hit the upright in the 90th minute.
SUBSTITUTES…
DENIS SUAREZ – 7.0
Replaced Sergio Busquets and didn’t get a foot wrong afterwards. Completed all his passes and assisted Neymar’s second goal with a beautiful through ball.
PACO ALCACER – 6.5
Unlucky to still be searching for his first Barça goal.. replaced Suarez and came very close to scoring but his shot was saved by Cuellar unto the crossbar, Neymar scored from the rebound. Showing good signs.
TEAM – 8.5
The individual players didn’t really play outstandingly and the win was more of the team effort than individual quality which is a good thing.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 8.0
Learnt from his Alaves mistake so he mixed the regulars with the ones needing minutes. His two substitutions had an impact in the scoreline. Good one.