Barcelona continued their fine form in the La Liga, as they absolutely ripped apart a Deportivo la Coruna side, that did not do much wrong on their trip to the Camp Nou this weekend. Lionel Messi was in fine form but just could find the back of the net, but a brace each from Paulinho and Luis Suarez, in either half, meant that the Catalan giants picked up yet another victory in the domestic league.
They are eight points better off at the top of the points table, 11 points away from arch-rivals Real Madrid, and will look to continue their fine form. Here are the player ratings for the hosts in this tie:
Barcelona Player Rated And Slated
Marc Andre ter Stegen (6):
Made a couple of decent saves and was smart with his distribution on a night where he comfortably kept a clean sheet.
Sergi Roberto (7):
Adventurous with the ball at his feet a solid with his defending, Roberto put in a solid performance at right-back, helping his side at both ends of the field.
Gerard Pique (7):
Was hardly tested all night but was alert to any half chances that could have allowed the visitors back into the game.
Thomas Vermaelen (6):
Like Pique did not have too much to do that could not handle. Was solid in dead-ball situations and played a role in keeping a clean sheet.
Jordi Alba (8):
Relentless energy on the flank allowed Barcelona to add numbers in attack constantly. Picked up the assist for Suarez’s second with a delightful ball to cap off a fruitful night.
Andres Iniesta (7):
Was in the mood to try things that more often than not, came off. A sensational ball in the build-up to the first goal but was not consistently at his best before being subbed off.
Ivan Rakitic (7):
Had to take up a deeper role in the absence of Busquets and did well to cover for the backline. Also did his job in the midfield, keeping the ball rolling and created a couple of half chances as well.
Paulinho (9):
Right place at the right time for both goals that he scored but did much more than that in the middle of the park, constantly winning the ball back and dictating play. One of the best players on the pitch on the night.
Paco Alacacer (6):
Scored an off-side goal early in the game but picked up an injury, just as he looked to be gaining some rhythm. Subbed off in the 23rd minute.
Lionel Messi (9):
Had a penalty saved, hit the bar thrice and grazed it a couple more times. Did everything well in the final third but just could not find the back of the net. Picked up an assist for Suarez’s first goal.
Luis Suarez (10):
Should have had a hat-trick that was wrongfully denied but did extremely well to keep the visitors on their toes all night, nicking the ball off quickly and constantly asking questions of the defence. A sensational outing for the Uruguayan, who was at his best.
Substitutes:
Aleix Vidal (6):
Was not at his best, often faltering with his final ball. Looked off-pace in the final third but did his defensive duties well, giving Roberto loads of cover.
Andre Gomes (6):
Replaced Iniesta at the hour mark and did well to keep the pressure on the visitors.
Lucas Digne (N/A)
