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| Aleix Vidal celebrate goal vs Las Palmas |
Arguably one of the best performances of the season if not easily the best. Barça put up a fine all-round display to comprehensively beat Las Palmas 5-0 at the Camp Nou on Saturday evening to keep their title hopes in tact as they close the gap on leaders Real Madrid.
After a frustrating first half that saw Barça miss a lot of clear cut chances, the Catalán giants final found their scoring prowess and netted four times in the final 45 minutes. A brace from Luis Suárez and one each from Lionel Messi, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal ensured Luis Enrique and his men got exactly the result they desired. Here’s how the team fared vs Las Palmas.
BARÇA 5-0 LAS PALMAS PLAYER RATINGS
MARC–ANDRE TER STEGEN – 7.0
A comfortable game for the German shot stopper who had little to do. His passing and cooling down the tempo was great, defensively he only had to pull an easy catch from a weak Boateng effort.
ALEIX VIDAL – 8.0
Wonderful performance that put smiles in the faces of him, his teammates and coaches. Was outstanding down the right both in attack and defence. Great enthusiasm and hunger and he got his reward by getting Barça’s 5th goal of the evening.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 6.5
The leader in defence, had a mixed game but the result covered his blushes. Some really bad positioning at times, picked up a yellow card and will miss the next game after a poor tackle on Jonathan Viera.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 7.5
Did not have much to do defensively but he made sure his area was well defended and Las Palmas did not dare use his side. His passing was 10/10 and his composure and calmness was great stuff. What a signing.
JORDI ALBA – 7.0
Was surprisingly good and comfortable in that left-back position. Pulled some really daring moves like he never did in the recent past. Linked up really well with Rafinha and Arda Turan, overall a good game.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 7.5
Bitter-sweet performance but I’ll call it a good one. Played very wide on the right but did great to set up Luis Suárez for the opener. Failed to score from two great chances. Great movement and reading of the game and he is getting better after every match.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 8.5
Crazy performance.. He had the entire Las Palmas team in the palm of his hand. Unreal reading of the game, superb movements and he was great in both attack and defence. Almost set up André Gomes with a finely chipped pass. Subbed off for Mathieu in the second half.
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 7.5
Started in order for Andrés Iniesta to get the rest and he did not disappoint. Was Barça’s brightest player in the first half. Has a lot of confidence.. Created two of the goals but failed to get one himself after bottling a Messi pass.
LIONEL MESSI – 8.5
Didn’t put too much body in the game as he tried as much as possible to keep himself from from fatigue at this stage of the season. Created a lot of chances without stress. Was denied by Varas twice including a one-on-one. Later got his goal from a tap-in in the second half.
LUIS SUÁREZ – 9.0
A great performance from the Uruguayan. Opened the scoring with a fine finish and grabbed his second with an even better one. Could have gotten an assist after setting up André Gomes with a beauty of a pass, and also Messi too. He had his best game this season, Man of the Match.
ARDA TURAN – 8.0
Played over Neymar on that left-wing and once again, he did not disappoint. Left-wing is clearly his best position. His confidence has really grown a lot, movement was exquisite and his link-ups with teammate was top draw. Got his goal in the second half to put Barça 4-0 ahead.
SUBSTITUTES…
IVAN RAKITIC – 6.0
Did it simple after coming on for André Gomes for the final 30 minutes. Was not bad, but did not add much except that he really helped Barça to build counter attacks.
PACO ALCÁCER – 6.5
Gradually understanding the team and adapting. Assisted Aleix Vidal for Barça’s fifth.
JEREMY MATHIEU – 5.5
Came on for Sergio Busquets late on to play his first game since returning from injury. Was simple.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 9.0
Great to rest some key players and still got a comfortable win. Did well to motivate his players and his half time speech may have been key to his team taking their chances in the second half. Credit where due.
THE TEAM: 9.0
Created a lot of chances and played with a high level of concentration. Good all-round performance and this was a team win.