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| Sergi Roberto during the game against Granada |
It wasn’t the best performance, not even close to being the best, but Barça got all three points and moved second on the log after a slim 1-0 win over last placed Granada at the Camp Nou.
The Catalans controlled possession in most parts of the game and created chances, but lack of real chances, penetration and flow made them look boring and rigid. The Messi-Suarez-Neymar attacking trio was off and Barça fans will have Rafinha Alcántara to thank as his 48th minute overhead kick won the game. Here’s how Barça players fared.
BARÇA 1-0 GRANADA PLAYER RATINGS
MARC ANDRE TER STEGEN – 6.0
Didn’t do anything, must have felt really bored all game. Only passed the ball, which he did quite well.
SERGI ROBERTO – 8.5
Great game from the right back as he proved to be Barça’s brightest and most dangerous player in attack. Made two great chances after good runs. Was also great in defence too. The best performer of the night as he bossed the right.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 7.5
His creativity was top class as he made two beautiful long passes to set up Neymar and Luis Suárez. Was great in defence also and helped Rakitic sometimes in winning balls at the middle of the pitch. After a horrible start to the season, he’s been very great in his last four games.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 8.5
This man is spotless. Did everything right. His concentration in defence was top draw. Passing was the best. Maintained his perfect record when featuring for Barça, six wins from six. Came close to scoring but headed wide.
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.0
Seems to be doing a good job at left back in Jordi Alba’s absence. Was a bit vulnerable in defence but survived due to Granada’s lack of attacking prowess.. was superb in attack and overall had a great game.
DENIS SUAREZ – 6.0
It’s clear he has the quality, but he isn’t showing it yet. Not an overly good game as he added little to the midfield and couldn’t control it either. Did a bit better in the second half than the first, replaced by André Gomes with 20 minutes left.
IVAN RAKITIC – 7.0
Not at his controlling best, at least not like Busquets in the defensive midfield position, but he was great in other aspects. Lots of defensive work and he added a lot of energy to the midfield. Was crucial.
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 6.5
Scored the only goal of the game with a superb overhead kick from 8 yards, his fifth in La Liga so far, from his 6th shot. Apart from the goal he didn’t quite have a good game as he couldn’t gain control of his position, just like Denis, he had a better second half.
LIONEL MESSI – 6.5
Started well, but as the game went on, he lost it. Not a good game overall. Missed a good chance to make it 2-0 but played a crucial part in the build up to the goal.
LUIS SUAREZ – 6.0
Was too eager to get on the score sheet after presenting his European Golden Shoe award to the crowd. Wasted a one-on-one opportunity in the first half but then forced Ochoa into a save minutes later. Also had a free header shot straight at the goalkeeper. Gave the ball away so many times. Was replaced by Alcácer with 7 minutes left to play.
NEYMAR – 7.0
The brightest of the front three. Had a number of beautiful moments. Created spaces with his dribbles but missed two chances to score.. the second led to Rafinha’s goal.
SUBSTITUTES…
ANDRÉ GOMES – 6.0
Came on to play the final 20 minutes in place of Denis Suarez and didn’t do much except having a wrong control and making a bad decision to pass towards the right when Neymar was free on the left.
PACO ALCÁCER – 6.0
Brought on for Luis Suárez with 7 minutes left to play and created a clear chance for Messi which the Argentine missed.