Ernesto Valverde decided that there was no point in asking Lionel Messi to knock on closed doors as he dropped the Argentine attacker for his side’s trip to Turin in the Champions League. With Barcelona all but through to the next round, their game against Juventus was not so important for the Catalans failed to break the hosts’ resilience at the back, leaving with just a point.
Paulo Dybala had a couple of exciting moments while Lucas Digne could have done better inside the box in the best chance of the game for the visitors, but neither managed to capitalize, playing a goal-less draw. Here are the player ratings for the Spanish side in this tie:
Marc Andre-ter Stegen (7):
Made a couple of superb saves when needed, to keep his side in the game, one in stoppage time, on a night where had very little to do otherwise.
Nelson Semedo (6):
Was ever-present in attack for Barca, where he created a couple of half chances and also did well at the other end, helping his side to a clean sheet.
Gerard Pique (7):
Won most of everything into the box, giving the likes of Higuain no time or space in the box. Was instrumental in Barcelona retaining possession for long periods.
Samuel Umtiti (8):
Fast growing as one of the best CBs in world football, Umtiti was solid at the back for Barcelona, dealing with the threat of Dybala and company. He was pro-active all night, nicking the ball off quickly, frustrating the home side.
Lucas Digne (6):
Should have done better with the best chance of the game for his side but did justice to his role in the backline, staying compact and closing the door every time Juventus came knocking.
Busquets (8):
Controlled the tempo of the game and went past the Juventus press on a number of occasions, keeping the Barcelona midfield always a step ahead.
Andres Iniesta (8):
Though failed to break the Juventus defence, Iniesta was a treat to watch on a night where he came out with his A-game.
Paulinho (7):
Stuck to his task well in the middle of the park and his discipline is what helped the visitors deal with the threat of one of the most feared attacks in Europe.
Gerard Deulofeu (6):
Made good use of his pace to get past the Juve backline constantly but failed to do anything with it, almost everytime, before making way for Messi, at the hour mark.
Luis Suarez (6):
Constantly picked away at each of the players in Juve’s back-3 but failed to make enough space for himself to find the back of the net.
Substitutes:
Lionel Messi (6):
Made a couple of decent dribbles but was never really into the game, failing to help his side break the deadlock.
Jordi Alba (6):
Came on to replace Iniesta late in the game and helped see out a 0-0 scoreline for Barca, away from home.
