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| Barça players celebrate against Borussia Monchengladbach in the UCL |
It was a beautiful night of football at the Camp Nou on Wednesday as FC Barcelona destroyed German side Borussia Monchengladbach 4-0 in their final group C game of the 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League season.
Arda Turan started in place of the suspended Neymar and fired a 17 minutes hat-trick with Lionel Messi grabbing the other goal as Barça topped their group in style, finishing 6 points above second placed Manchester City and comfortably qualifying for the next round. Here’s how the players fared in the emphatic 4-0 victory.
BARÇA 4-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH PLAYER RATINGS
JASPER CILLESSEN – 6.0
Started in place of Ter Stegen and didn’t even face any shot, didn’t do anything all game. He left with the clean sheet and an even neater shirt.
ALEIX VIDAL – 8.0
He was wonderful. The right-back clearly showed he has something to offer. Assisted Arda Turan for his second and had a hand in his other two goals. His linkup with Denis was superb and the right side was at its best for a long time. Definitely a match for Sergi Roberto or even better.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 8.0
Was a rock throughout the game. Great tackling and he helped Barça win back possession on many occasions. Was also superb with his passing. Led the defence in beautiful fashion, a very good game.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 7.5
Returned to the starting XI after sitting out the Clásico and was solid all through. His passing was also great and during the latter stages of the game he was the only defender at the back, stopping every Borussia Monchengladbach attack. Great game.
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.0
Didn’t show much as he played a simple game but it was a great performance as his side wasn’t toyed with as in the past. Partnership with Arda wasn’t the best but he was great in attack and almost fed Messi for a goal which was soectacularly saved by Sommer.
DENIS SUÁREZ – 8.0
An almost perfect game from the midfielder who replaced the suspended Ivan Rakitic. Was very crucial to Barça plays and his link up with Vidal and Messi was top draw. Offered so much in attack that Rakitic doesn’t and he played with great composure in that RCM role. Great display.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 8.0
After an unconvincing Clásico performance and a bad one at the Anoeta, Gomes started in place of Sergio Busquets at the DM role and completely bossed it. He played like he was Busquets, great with his passing, his reading of the game and his movements. Great ball circulation too. Great display, seems he’s better off as a DM.
ANDRÉS INIESTA – 8.5
Played just 60 minutes but showed he’s still the best in his position. Bossed the entire game with so much ease it was like a piece of cake. Didn’t get a foot wrong, he was just there to have fun.. his linkup plays with Messi is something else, he was magical and the team’s light shone brighter each time he had the ball. Just glorious. Was replaced by Rafinha on 60 minutes.
LIONEL MESSI – 8.5
Opened the scoring for Barça and was denied twice by spectacular saves by Yann Sommer. Couldn’t reach Ronaldo’s record but he had a fantastic game. Needed the goal but wasn’t very eager, passing was great, he played everywhere.. 10 goals in 5 games this CL campaign, not a bad stat.
PACO ALCÁCER – 6.5
Not a very good performance but still his best since joining. Still couldn’t score but forced Sommer into a save on 57 minutes. Great touches, linkup and cross to assist Arda Turan for his third goal of the night. Good game.
ARDA TURAN – 9.0
Wonderful game.. he showed he still has something to offer but the most glaring thing is that he’s far better on the left-wing than in midfield. Assisted Messi for the opener and scored three for himself to cap off a perfect night. Replaced by Cardona late on.
SUBSTITUTES…
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 6.0
Replaced Iniesta for the final 30 minutes but didn’t participate much. Wasn’t bad.
CARDONA – 6.0
Replaced Arda Turan for the final stages of the game, didn’t get a chance to score but worked hard and showed great character in the little time he played which is good.
THE TEAM: 10
Perfect game from defence to attack, played with great flow and understanding.. credit where due, it was an outstanding display. Joyful.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 8.0
His decision to play Denis and Vidal on the right helped a lot as their link up was great. Rested some starters and also played Messi for the record sake. Good.