Borussia Monchengladbach almost pulled off a remarkable upset but the quality of Barcelona proved to be too much for the German contingent in the end. After their emphatic 7-0 win against Celtic in the first game of the group stage, Barcelona were massive favourites on their trip to Borussia Park but Andre Schubert’s side looked very impressive from the very start of the game. The German side pressed Barcelona as the Blaugrana looked unplugged for most parts of the game. Thorgan Hazard gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute and the goal was well deserved.
Barcelona looked much better in the second half as Gladbach ran out of steam. It was substitute Arda Turan who got the Catalan giants back into the game in the 65th minute. Defender Gerard Pique scored the winner eight minutes later capitalising on a silly goalkeeping error from Yann Sommer. Yes, Barcelona came back from Germany with all three points but it was far from a convincing display.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen- 6.5/10
Could not have done any better or the goal he conceded. Did very well apart from that against his former club. Commanded his area very well and distribution was impressive.
Sergi Roberto: 5.5/10
A poor display from the Spaniard. Looked in trouble when he had to deal with Gladbach on the counter. Improved in the second half, though.
Gerard Pique: 6/10
2 tackles, 1 clearance and 1 block- that is all Pique did defensively. Not good enough. Was more of a spectator as Gladbach hit them on the break. However, made up for his bad outing with the crucial winner. Could have given away a penalty for a handball in the opening stages.
Javier Mascherano: 7/10
Lacked the pace to deal with dangerous Gladbach side on the break but made some spectacular tackles and read the game very well. He made as many as 5 tackles, 7 interceptions and 1 clearances throughout the game which is brilliant.
Jordi Alba: 6/10
Was not at his usual best offering an attacking threat from down the left flank. Traore marked him well and prevented him from bombing forward and he did the same. Defensively, Alba was perfect in the game.
Sergio Busquets: 6.5/10
Provided a solid cover for the back four. Sprayed the ball nicely and his 90 passes and 95.6% passing success proves it. However, he could not make a single key pass throughout the game.
Ivan Rakitic: 6/10
It was an off day for usually reliable Rakitic. Did not have much impact on the game. His passing success was 86.7% but those were mostly simple passes. Was subbed off before the hour mark.
Andres Iniesta: 6.5/10
Started poorly but improved as the game went on. Not really at his creative best but led his side from 1-0 down to win 1-2 with the armband on.
Paco Alcacer: 5/10
A game to forget for the summer signing as he failed to make any kind of impact.
Luis Suarez: 6/10
An unusual bad game for the Uruguayan forward. Needs to become more selfish at times especially when Messi is not there.
Neymar: 7/10
Started the game slowly but improved as the game went on. Had a delightful assist for the Turan equaliser.
Substitutes
Arda Turan: 7.5/10
A brilliant game off the bench from the Turk. A remarkable finish to equalise the game. Almost scored his second with a delightful chip outside the area.
Rafinha: 5/10
Replaced Rakitic but found it hard to make an impact.
