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| Barça players celebrate goal vs Deportivo |
FC Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga as the comfortably beat Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 at the Camp Nou in their eighth league game of the season as they continue their bid to defend the title.
The Catalans lost their last game in the league 4-3 to Celta Vigo and have seen their last two home games against Depor end in 2-2 draws. However, a brace from Rafinha, a goal from returnee Lionel Messi and another for Luis Suárez ensured Barça get all three points. Here’s how the players fared in the game.
BARCELONA 4-0 DEPORTIVO – PLAYER RATINGS
MARC ANDRE TER STEGEN – 6.0
Did nothing except passing the whole game as Deportivo didn’t pose any threat in attack, not even one save. Left the stadium with his shirt unstained and I’m sure he was bored all evening.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 7.5
A great performance from Barcelona’s fourth captain as he looked much more comfortable in the right central defence role. Made a couple of good tackles and recoveries and was great with his passing and whilst going forward.
GERARD PIQUÉ – 8.0
Another perfect game from the defender. Didn’t get a foot wrong in defence, led it well and help facilitate attack on numerous occasions. His saved header led to Rafinha’s second goal of the evening. A complete performance.
JEREMY MATHIEU – 7.5
Great game from the former Valencia man. Was Barça’s most solid figure on the evening although made some little mistakes at the beginning. Had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside. Good game.
ARDA TURAN – 7.0
Played out wide in midfield in a 3-4-3 formation and didn’t perform badly. Created two good chances for Suarez and Alcácer. Also missed a great opportunity to score.
IVAN RAKITIC – 6.5
Returning from an Achilles injury and didn’t impress that much but also didn’t play bad. Gave the ball away easily sometimes and went for the shot when he could’ve passed on occasions. Fair game.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 7.0
Not his best performance, but certainly far better than his previous performances. Controlled the midfield well, recovered a lot of balls and he determined the pace of the game. Replaced by Messi in the second half.
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.0
Once again showed he’s capable of giving Jordi Alba a tough competition on the left. Played as a wide left midfielder and did well. His understanding with Neymar has grown and he can cross the ball well too.
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 8.5
Grabbed a brace to take his tally to four goals this season. Aside from the goal he had a perfect game in all aspects. Was great in both attack and defence and tried a lot of things which shows how confident he is. He’s having one great season. Was subbed off for Denis Suarez in the second half.
LUIS SUAREZ – 7.0
Didn’t start quite well but then got into the game at the latter stages of the first half and got his goal through a fine move. Was hardworking as always and also set up Rafinha’s first goal. Subbed off for Alcacer at the break.
NEYMAR – 9.0
Barça’s best player of the evening. Got two assists to his name and created a lot of chances. Had a shot hit the crossbar and a free kick just over the bar. Forced a red card off Laure. Didn’t score but it was a glorious performance from the Brazilian who is having a good season.
SUBSTITUTES…
PACO ALCÁCER – 6.5
An unlucky game from the new signing. Replaced Suarez at halftime, didn’t get so many touches but could’ve gotten a hat-trick as he came close to opening his goalscoring account on 3 different occasions: first a great header from a Messi cross well tipped unto the bar by Lux, then a shot straight at Lux when he should’ve scored from 8 yards and lastly a cross from Arda which he just needed to tap in. Unlucky, his goals will arrive soon.
LIONEL MESSI – 8.0
Returned after being out for the past three weeks and didn’t waste time in making his presence felt as he scored Barça’s fourth just three minutes after his entry. Brought the game back to life again and created a lot of chances also. Great game.
DENIS SUAREZ – 6.0
Came on for Rafinha when the game was already done and didn’t do much.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 8.0
His 3-4-3 formation looked rather weird at the start but it turned out to be perfect. Barça looked very comfortable and the opponents couldn’t play in midfield.
TEAM – 8.5
The game was more of a team result than individual brilliance.. great performance from the entire team.