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| Barcelona celebrate goal vs Alaves |
Barcelona put up a wonderful display in Vitoria as they comfortably defeated Alavés 6-0 at the Mendizorrotza stadium to keep up the pace with Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga.
A brace from Luis Suárez, coupled with strikes from Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic, Neymar and an own goal by Alavés’ Alexis meant Barça got the result the wanted, but the win was soured by the terrible injury sustained by Aleix Vidal. Here’s how the Blaugranas fared in Vitoria.
ALAVÉS 0-6 BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS
MARC-ANDRÉ TER STEGEN – 7.5
Did not do too much, but was spectacular when called upon.. Highlight of the game was his crucial save to deny Theo Hernandez in a one-on-one situation early on, in great form.
ALEIX VIDAL – 8.5
What a game, he controlled the right side, has been one of the best in his position this year, his fine assist set up Suarez for the opener minutes after he came very close to getting a goal himself. Sad news as he’ll miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 7.0
A good game for the Frenchman who maintained his perfect win record in La Liga when starting. Got booked early on but that was the only time he got something wrong. Cool and calm all through. Went off for Jordi Alba on the 65th minute.
JÉRÉMY MATHIEU – 7.5
A great game for him, playing at the LCB spot.. He was solid, especially in the air.. Passing was great too, looked more comfortable than usual.
LUCAS DIGNE – 6.5
Link up with Neymar on the left wasn’t impressive, he was poor defensively on occasions but also had some good moments. A mixed game. Finished the game as a central defender.
IVAN RAKITIC – 8.0
A great game from the Croat, really improved from his previous games.. Worked hard in both attack and defence and played a huge role in Barça’s first two goals, got himself on the score sheet with a cracker in the second half.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 7.5
Returned to the starting lineup and played a very cool game, bossed his territory without stress and didn’t allow Alavés movement in midfield. Passing was perfect.. Good game.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 7.0
Had another good game, look like he’s beginning to adapt well.. Now trying thing he didn’t in the past.. Improved that left side.
LIONEL MESSI – 9.0
Fantastic game even though he didn’t put too much strength in it. Looked like he played more as a midfielder, had a hand in all six Barcelona goals.. Got one for himself to take his Liga season tally to 17.
LUIS SUÁREZ – 9.0
Was invisible for the first thirty minutes but made his mark by grabbing Barça’s opener seven minutes before halftime. Also got himself two assists although none was intentional, grabbed his second goal in the second half. Rewarded for his hardwork and perseverance.
NEYMAR – 8.0
Started awfully after he decided to do everything all by himself.. Got into the game later and was crucial to the opener.. Got Barça’s second with a finish into an empty net and his saved shot led to Suarez’s second goal.. He slowed down in the second half, kept it simple and saved strength for Tuesday.
SUBSTITUTES…
JORDI ALBA – 6.5
Came on in the second half and didn’t have it too difficult, got everything he did right.
ANDRÉS INIESTA – 6.5
Didnt even lose the ball after coming on for Busquets, kept it simple..
SERGI ROBERTO – 6.0
Played in midfield after coming on for André Gomes and didn’t do much, didn’t get anything wrong though.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 8.0
Good lineup, and his team won in style.. Good work.
THE TEAM: 9.0
Dominated from start to finish, best way to win.
