Champions League: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal - Player ratings
Barcelona advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League when they defeated a fighting Arsenal side at the Camp Nou 3-1. A first half goal from Neymar gave the Blaugrana an unassailable 3-0 lead on aggregate in the Round of 16 stage but the Gunners also looked dangerous whenever they went forward to attack.
After having missed many opportunities to score, the visitors finally equalised when midfielder Mohamed Elneny scored his first goal for the club. Any doubts that remained about Arsenal’s dim chances of a comeback were thrashed by Luis Suarez after the hour mark as he smashed a brilliant volley past David Ospina.
Lionel Messi rounded off the scoring as he dinked over the Arsenal goalkeeper in the late stages of the game.
Here are how the players from both sides fared:
Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7
The Barcelona shotstopper was a very lucky man to not have conceded more goals in the game. He was good with his handling and reflexes, but he could not respond to Elneny’s strike as it went past him and inside his near-post.
He did make some notable saves, as he saved Sanchez’s fierce freekick and did well to reach Giroud’s rebound which was on target. He had a fine game in the end and must be delighted at getting his chances in the competition.
Dani Alves – 6
The Brazilian was not at his best during the game but still managed to get an assist as he put in a cross which was extraordinarily volleyed into the back of the net by Suarez. He went forward at other times but could not produce anything worth a mention. He stuck to his task defensively and did not let Monreal have any space behind him.
Jeremy Mathieu – 6
Mathieu was not very impressive on the day. He made some crucial tackles and interceptions and did not let Welbeck have any space. But looked to be struggling as he gave away the ball under no real pressure from a header which was almost converted into a goal.
Javier Mascherano – 8
The Argentine had a commanding game at the back and made some crunching tackles with precise timing and did not let the Arsenal forwards have any space to work with. His block on Welbeck’s shot was crucial as a goal could have cost Barca. His positioning throughout the game was outstanding and helped him produce a flawless display.
Jordi Alba – 6
He was good and consistent with his play throughout the game and the Spaniard almost played most of the game in forward positions as he troubled Hector Bellerin regularly with his skills and pace. He was there to slow down the play whenever Arsenal played on their right flank.
Sergio Busquets – 6
The Spanish international was very good in breaking up the play when Arsenal went forward. But he could not entirely manage to help his side whenever his opponents went on the counter. Overall, a fair performance from Busquets.
Ivan Rakitic – 6
The Croatian midfielder was playing in the heart of midfield as always. He dictated the tempo of the game as Barca had possession. But he was also responsible for giving away possession. Rakitic also got back to help in defence whenever needed.
Andres Iniesta – 7
The midfield maestro was excellent on the ball for the home side as he went past opponents unchallenged during several attacks. His defensive skills also came to the rescue when needed. Overall, a good game for the Spanish international.
Lionel Messi – 7
The player of the year was at it again. He troubled Arsenal with his marauding runs throughout the game. Early on, he saw his shot being saved by Ospina, but he came back to finally beat the keeper with a sly chip. He had a good game as he was always a threat to the opposition and continued his good run against Arsenal.
Neymar – 7
The Brazilian was very bright as the game started and was rewarded with a goal inside the first 20 minutes. He became a bit jaded as the game progressed but created chances and came back to defend when required.
Luis Suarez – 8
The Uruguayan striker was in top form throughout the game. His volley at goal was his 43rd goal of the season and it’s still March. He linked up with his teammates and dominated Arsenal early on in the game.
Substitutes
Sergi Roberto – 6
The youngster came on for Andres Iniesta in the 72nd minute and played his role without a flaw.
Arda Turan – 6
The former Atletico man was brought on late to replace Ivan Rakitic and his notable act was getting a yellow within two minutes of coming on.