Champions League 2017/2018: Barcelona 3-0 Juventus, Player Ratings
Lionel Messi was the star of the show at Camp Nou, as Barcelona romped to a convincing victory against the team that knocked them out of last year's edition of the Champions League. Three goals and a comfortable performance for the hosts, as Ernesto Valverde's start in the dugout goes from strength to strength.
Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 7/10
Always alert and very quick to come off his line whenever the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala were released in behind the Barcelona back four. Handled well and didn’t spill anything into dangerous areas for any lurking opponents.
Nelson Semedo - 7/10
His pace ensured that Alex Sandro found it tough to overlap down the outside of his man. On the attack, the young right back linked up fairly well with Ousmane Dembele. The two seem to have some good early chemistry at their new club.
Gerard Pique - 7/10
Got away with a questionable clearance in the second half, but otherwise protected his 18-yard box well and wasn’t tested all too often. Juventus were largely reduced to threatening from long range or set pieces.
Samuel Umtiti - 7/10
His pace was useful on the rare occasion that Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa managed to get into full stride, but largely the Frenchman had a comfortable night were he saw a lot of possession.
Jordi Alba - 7/10
Always keen to race down the left-hand side and offer width, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez taking up more central positions throughout the 90 minutes. Went close with an overhead kick effort from a narrow angle.
Sergio Busquets - 7/10
Sat at the base of the midfield with Ivan Rakitic and helped to regulate play, dropping in to collect the ball if needed, but also stepping up to press as has been characteristic of Valverde’s Barcelona. Coasted through the second half.
Ivan Rakitic - 8/10
Continues to impress in Ernesto Valverde’s midfield. Keen to spread the play and sit in to ensure that Andres Iniesta has the freedom to roam and find pockets of space. Fired home the second goal of the night to put the game beyond doubt.
Andres Iniesta 7/10
Looked to try and feed Jordi Alba to the left byline whenever possible, and was always on the move to try and find pockets of space in between the lines. Played plenty of penetrative passes to try and change the pace of the attack.
Ousmane Dembele 7/10
His pace and trickery offers a totally different dimension to Barcelona’s attack. He is unafraid to drive into space and at players, committing defenders and winning free kicks in dangerous areas. Showed no fear and appears to be a great signing.
Lionel Messi - 9/10
Tucked a wonderful finish just inside the far post to make it 1-0 to the home side, before going on a signature run before his second of the night. The Argentine star continues to impress in the early stages of the season, and appears to have quite the campaign ahead of him.
Luis Suarez - 7/10
Laid off a lovely pass to Messi for an assist for the opening goal, and saw a late goal ruled out for apparently offside. Always looking to nip inside and make little darting runs to open up space for himself and others.
Substitutes
Sergi Roberto - 6/10
Slotted in on the right-hand side of Barcelona’s midfield and helped to shore things up a little bit in terms of defensive shape. Comfortable on the ball and kept things moving.
Paulinho - 6/10
Saw plenty of possession, with his teammates trying to give him as many touches as possible. Didn’t take any risks and just eased through the last 10 minutes or so.
Andre Gomes - 6/10
Had less than 10 minutes to make an impact, but slotted in without fuss as Barcelona closed the game out with patient possession whenever possible.