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| Gerard Piqué against Celta Vigo |
It was a disappointing night at the Balaídos, Barça fought very hard against a tough opponent but missed chances and a couple of defensive errors cost them as they lost 4-3 to Celta Vigo to drop into fourth spot on the log.
Luis Enrique’s starting lineup could be called to fault as he left captain Andrés Iniesta on the bench whilst starting Rafinha, Mathieu and Jordi Alba but the loss was courtesy of four terrible defensive errors. Gérard Piqué did well to remove shame in the faces of Culés but his brace wasn’t enough to give Barça a point. Here is how the players fared in the game.
CELTA VIGO 4-3 BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS
MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN – 4.0
The ballplaying goalkeeper.. made a couple of good saves in the game but the bad side was clearer as he made two mistakes that cost Barça severely, first a poorly timed pass to Sergio Busquets but the second was more frustrating as he played his pass unto the body of Pablo Hernández to gift the host a 4-2 lead just when Barça were on the brink of a comeback. A forgettable game for the German and a rather unlucky one.
SERGI ROBERTO – 5.0
Looked very tired as he’s been almost ever present for Barça this season. Lacked concentration at some points and couldn’t deal with Celta’s speed and press. Not a good game.
GERARD PIQUÉ – 8.0
It’d have been as if Celta beat Elche C had Piqué not intervened. He scored twice and almost grabbed a third as he thought Luis Suárez his duties in attack. Hesitated to allow Aspas time and space to score though. His leadership in both attack and defence was superb, he was Barça’s main man.
JEREMY MATHIEU – 5.0
Started the game well, almost scored after a hilarious run but then he scored an own goal and lost all his confidence and he became worse as the minutes went by.
JORDI ALBA – 5.0
Left Mathieu with so much responsibility on the left and he looked like he didn’t know what he was doing. Was substituted on 80 minutes and he couldn’t stop breathing heavily on the bench as he was very exhausted.
ARDA TURAN – 6.0
One of the few Barça players who didn’t have a bad game. Was very lively in the first half especially during the early stages. Having a good season.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 3.5
One of Busquets’ worst games in years. He’s been poor this season but this game highlighted it in powerful fashion. Was partly at fault for the first goal Barça conceded and was culpable for the second. One of Barça’s most consistent player is having consistency problems, hope he fixes up.. quite sure he’ll fix up.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 6.0
Also didn’t have a bad game but just didn’t get himself noticed as he was shy to try things as a central midfielder, safe to say he’s still adapting. Won the penalty that gave Barça their second.
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 4.5
Looked like he wasn’t on the pitch as he was glued in that right position role. He didn’t play. He didn’t do anything. Subbed off for Iniesta at halftime.
LUÍS SUÁREZ – 4.5
Worked very hard as always and tried to get involved but couldn’t. He’s probably on his worst run of form as a Barça player.
NEYMAR – 5.5
Scored from the spot to make it 3-2.. had a claim for another penalty. He was almost invisible in the first half but sprung to life in the second.. at least he showed he wanted a result. Almost got a point for Barça in the dying stages but his header went wide.
SUBSTITUTES…
ANDRÉS INIESTA – 7.5
Luis Enrique’s major mistake was not starting this man. Was brought on for Rafinha at half time and completely changed the game. His cross set up Piqué for Barça’s first and his pass set up André Gomes to win the penalty for Barça’s second.
DENIS SUÁREZ – 6.5
Great introduction by Luis Enrique, played really well in the few minutes he got and set up Piqué for Barça’s third with a delightful cross. Deserves more minutes.
PACO ALCÁCER – N/A
Was brought on for the last ten minutes to make a difference but couldn’t, unfair to rate him.
LUÍS ENRIQUE – 6.5
Made a mistake with his lineup and first half tactics and Barça went 3-0 down. Maybe his HT team talk motivated the player and they corrected the rubbish with a great second half display. He was almost there to redeem himself but Ter Stegen killed it. His substitutions were spot on.
TEAM – 6.5
First half was 0.5, they got 6 points for the second half as they showed they were indeed the world’s best team.