Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona - Player Ratings
FC Barcelona travelled to Estadio de la Ceramica with hopes of maintaining their lead in the table as they enter the winter break. However, it did not click soon enough for FC Barcelona as it was Villarreal who were quite efficient during the initial exchanges. The first half was goalless, but in general, tilted more towards the Yellow Submarines.
The second half was quite eventful as Barcelona slowly started picking up the rhythm. They were aided by a rash tackle by Raba on Busquets which resulted in him being evicted from the game. The match was then put to bed quite comfortably by Barca as Suarez and Messi both scored fine goals.
Let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams.
Villarreal
Sergio Asenjo: 7/10
Quite an amazing outing just like his opposite number. Quick off his lines, it was him who stood firm and almost stopped Barca from an easy victory. Pulled a couple of saves including a fantastic stop to parry Vidal's effort late in the game.
Mario Gaspar: 5/10
One of many Villarreal players who could not perform to their full potential. He struggled in defence as Barcelona looked quite threatening on his side of the pitch. Attacking, he did show the willingness to join attacks and did deliver a couple of interesting balls.
Alvaro Gonzalez: 6.5/10
Alvaro was excellent up against Luis Suarez, sticking tight to him and not allowing the Uruguayan an easy path to the goal. He was physical and aggressive without crossing the line. However, after the red card, he too ran out of steam and was exposed dreadfully.
Victor Ruiz: 6.5/10
He was solid in most parts of the game and did not allow Barcelona to run away with the match from the start. He sniffed out attack after attack to keep the scoreline respectable.
Jaume Costa: 3/10
One of many Villarreal players who could not perform to their full potential. He struggled in defence as Sergi Roberto looked quite threatening on his side of the pitch. He did not contribute much in attack too. He gave the ball away quite cheaply in his own half for Barcelona's second goal.
Raba: 4/10
Raba was good in the first half. He was influential and carried the ball well. However, one moment of inexperience and madness saw him being shown the door as he undid both, his and his team's good work up until that point. This match should be an important lesson for him.
Manu Trigueros: 6.5/10
Trigueros had a decent game. Though he was not very influential in the second half, he came out on top in the midfield battle against Barca’s midfield during the initial 45 minutes. His distribution was efficient, if not eye-catching.
Ruben Semedo: 7.5/10
He was one of Villarreal's better players. A disciplined display from Semedo, who spent much of the first half tracking back and defending. He fulfilled his duties well and used the ball neatly too. He had to be taken off due to injury in the second half.
Rodri: 6/10
Rodri put in a decent display in the midfield as he screened his defence to some extent and also distributed the ball intelligently. However, he struggled against Messi and lost him several times.
Roberto Soriano: 6.5/10
Very much like his teammates, he faded away in the second half and had to be taken off for more defensive options. However, in the first half, he was absolutely sensational as a target man for the Yellow Submarines. He was, indeed, let down by his finishing.
Cedric Bakambu: 5/10
Bakambu worked hard tirelessly but could not get better of Pique or Vermaelen. His decision making was quite erratic and he never could get into any decent attacking positions or deliver a decent final ball.
Substitutes:
Samu Castillejo: 4/10
He was brought on early in the second half, to play on the right side of the midfield for Villarreal. He was not up to the pace of the game and was all over the place while defending or attacking.
Antonio Rukavina: 6/10
He was brought on for Soriano after Raba saw red, in order to contain the threat of Jordi Alba. He stuck to his task and was fairly successful in containing him. However, the damage had already been done.