Barcelona saw a Javier Mascherano slip contribute to their lead slipping when Angel Correa equalized for Atletico. A header from Ivan Rakitic off of a fantastic Andres Iniesta ball wouldn’t be enough, as both teams, looking to capitalize on a Real Madrid draw with Villarreal, had to settle for a point in a crucial early matchup. Here is how Barcelona’s players fared:
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen
GK, Barcelona
7Ter Stegen wasn’t really busy much of the match, but can’t be faulted for Correa’s goal. He made an important save on a late Diego Godin header, and was solid otherwise.
Defense
Sergi Roberto
RB, Barcelona
7.5Roberto was very bright in his adopted right back position, especially in the early going. His darting runs down the right flank created plenty of space and opportunity for Barcelona’s attack. Like the rest of the side, he faded as the game went on, but it was a step in the right direction for the youngster.
Gerard Pique
CB, Barcelona
8.5Time and time again, Pique reminds everyone of why he should be considered among the world’s best defenders. He made countless interventions and kept Antoine Griezmann quiet. He was unfortunately beaten by Fernando Torres’ pass to set up Correa, but shouldn’t be faulted for that. Had a late chance to win it, but his header glanced wide. Still, a good performance from Pique.
Javier Mascherano
CB, Barcelona
5Mascherano didn’t do himself any favors in his battle with Samuel Umtiti for the center back spot alongside Pique. He was good on the ball, as is often the case, but slipped and fell as Correa glided past him for the equalizer. The Argentine just doesn’t look sure of himself anymore.
Jordi Alba
LB, Barcelona
6Alba hardly put a foot wrong, but wasn’t able to contribute much. With Iniesta and Neymar patrolling the left side of the attack, Alba was limited to a few overlaps and crosses. It’s likely that he was more reserved with Griezmann switching to the left flank in the latter stages, and that showed in a good defensive performance.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets
CDM, Barcelona
7As per usual, Busquets oozed class throughout, always picking out the right pass and always protecting the back four with ease and style. However, an injury early in the second half forced him off, and it not only shifted the course of the match, but could hurt Barcelona moving forward.
Ivan Rakitic
CM, Barcelona
7Rakitic put in a good shift, with his effort never dying and his ability on display when he scored Barcelona’s goal with a lovely glancing header. He isn’t the type of player who is often going to win matches late on, but he was kept on for the whole match anyway, rather than pushing forward and possibly bringing on the likes of Paco Alcacer. Still, a good display and a goal that helped earn a point.
Andres Iniesta (MOTM)
CM, Barcelona
9Iniesta is proof that age is just a number. Despite being one of the oldest on the pitch, he showed class throughout, always looking like he was going to create a goal for Barcelona. His assist for Rakitic’s goal was exquisite, and though he wasn’t as influential later in the match, he gave Barcelona plenty of chances to take three points. A wonderful performance.
Forwards
Lionel Messi
RW, Barcelona
6.5Messi showed what he’s about in the first half, drifting across the pitch, using his feet to create space. However, he never could find the final ball, and an injury in the second half forced him off after a somewhat anonymous display. The world’s best footballer needs to stay healthy, and Barcelona fans will be holding their breath awaiting the news on their star.
Neymar
LW, Barcelona
8Neymar’s footwork and pace troubled Atletico’s defense all match, especially late on when he seemed to be the only player on the pitch with something left in the tank. However, like most of his teammates, he couldn’t find a way to get the ball in the net. He may be disappointed, but he was one of the only players who looked capable of scoring as the game wore on.
Luis Suarez
ST, Barcelona
5.5One of Suarez’s worst showings in recent memory. The striker couldn’t seem to produce a good touch, good linkup play or anything. It’s always tough to be isolated with Diego Godin, but as arguably the world’s best striker, Suarez needs to do better.
Substitutes
Andre Gomes
CM (Busquets, 50'), Barcelona
5Came on for Busquets, and while nobody is going to produce what Busquets can do, Gomes was completely anonymous in a holding role. Though he didn’t do much wrong defensively, he lacked the cutting edge of the man he replaced when trying to move Barcelona forward.
Arda Turan
RW (Messi, 60'), Barcelona
6Arda came on for Messi, and though he put in a decent shift, he was never going to have the x-factor Messi brings to the table. It was a fine cameo, but nothing more.
Manager
Luis Enrique
Manager, Barcelona
7Atletico is a good team, and Enrique can’t be blamed for untimely injuries to two of his most important players. Though it’s understandable that he wanted to keep the midfield balanced with Atletico’s counter-attack ability, he should have brought on another attacker in Paco Alcacer late in the match to try and take the three points they deserved.
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