Real Madrid’s surprise defeat against struggling Valencia has made La Liga open and enthralling once more ahead of the paramount encounter between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona where the later having an opportunity to go on top of the league table if they manage to take all three points from a tricky away trip to Vicente Calderón.
Luis Enrique, the under pressure Barca Boss, denied to tag the fixture ‘decisive’ but eyed a win to be back in the title hunt and make up lost ground. However, the thrilling encounter ended in massive 1-2 victory for the away side as Lionel Messi’s late strike sealed the deal for Barcelona who now occupies the top spot ahead of Los Blancos.
The Best And The Worst Barcelona Players Rated From Their Thrilling Win Against Atletico Madrid
Marc-Andre Ter Stegan: 7
Had an impressive outing and made a few crucial saves to deny the likes of Griezmann and Koke to break the deadlock. Was commanding in the air with punching and clearances. Also made few crucial outings and interceptions. Could have done nothing to stop Diego Godin’s glancing header.
Sergi Roberto: 5
The versatile Spaniard had a quiet afternoon. Failed to contain the likes of Carrasco and Griezmann, offered little in attack as well.
Samuel Umtiti: 6.5
The Frenchman had a nervy outing as the Barcelona backline was carved open repeatedly and his mistake could have cost them early if had not made a quick recovery by sticking out his foot to stop the effort of Griezmann from sneaking into the back of the net. Did well in bringing the ball down inside the penalty area before teeing up Suarez who eventually found Messi and the Argentine scored the late winner to grab a huge away victory.
Gerard Pique: 7.5
The Spaniard had a decent afternoon as he led his backline with an imposing display. Made a few crucial interceptions to break counter threats and out-muscled the Atletico attackers on quite a few occasions. Had a massive opportunity to find the back of the net, but his downward header from a corner was stopped by Oblak from close range. Was solid till the final whistle and made a vital clearance to deny Atletico from finding a late equaliser.
Jeremy Mathieu: 6
The Frenchman was defensively sound but offered too little to constitute any attacking movement. Hobbled off the pitch late into the second half after sustaining a challenge from Angel Correa and was replaced by Lucas Digne.
Rafinha: 6.5
Was clumsy and dispossessed far too easily in midfield for quite a few times. Had an improved second half as he furnished in a box-to-box role and ran his socks off. His hard work eventually paid off when he scored the opener after breaking forward over Gabi and slotted the ball past Oblak to earn his side a lead.
Sergio Busquets: 6
The Spanish international was combative, composed and screened his defence when required. Broke down Atletico’s counter attacks and was booked in the process of stopping Griezmann from forming any goal-bound threat. His needless free-kick earned Atletico a free-kick over on the left wing which was converted by Diego Godin with a glancing header from Koke’s accurate delivery.
Andres Iniesta: 6
The decorated veteran had a quiet afternoon.
Was good with his touches and passing as always, however, failed to create any positive impact and was replaced by Rakitic seconds after Godin’s equaliser.
Lionel Messi: 8
Messi had a decent opportunity to break the deadlock but his curling effort was spectacularly denied by Oblak who pulled off a majestic diving stop. But the Argentine superstar proved once again why he is treated world’s best. He scored with four minutes remaining which turned out to be the winner and enough to secure three away points in order to get back in the title race.
Luis Suarez: 8
Suarez had the chance of the afternoon as he skipped Luis far too easily but hit it well wide from close range. However, he had a great influence to put Barca in front as he out-muscled Godin and his effort rolled over to Rafinha who made no mistake to slot it home. The Uruguayan had a major impact in Barca’s late winner as he cut the ball back to Messi who netted home from the second half to snatch a massive victory.
Neymar: 7.5
Most influential among the deadly trio in the first half and kept Atletico defence on toes with his pace, dribbling and direct runs. Made a few decent one-twos with Messi and Suarez and created number of opportunities that went in vain due to lack of finishing.
Substitutes:
Ivan Rakitic: 6.5
The Croatian brought pace in midfield and kept on pushing forward to help his attackers find a late winner. His addition certainly influenced the Catalans who found a late winner via Lionel Messi.
Lucas Digne: 6
Came in place of injured Mathieu. Did well to keep things calm and dealt with Atletico’s late pressure.
Andre Gomes: NA
Came in place of Roberto. Did too little to warrant a rating.
