Barcelona remained unbeaten in their Champions League group with a hard-fought draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Nou Camp, as the north London club qualified for the next round of the competition. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were the better team on the night as they gave the mighty Spanish champions a run for their money but the Blaugrana, who rested quite a few players including Lionel Messi from their regular starting eleven, kept their composure to come out with a point from the encounter.
Ousmane Dembele broke the deadlock in the 7th minute of the match as he gave the reigning La Liga champions the lead over the visitors. However, Spurs equalised through Lucas Moura in the 85th minute and could have won the match but for Danny Rose who sent the ball into oblivion rather than the Barcelona goal in the 88th minute, helping Barcelona finish the group stage as clear winners with 14 points from their six matches.
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Jasper Cillessen: 7
Had a busy night as he had to make a few good saves to keep his side in the game. Could have done nothing to save the goal.
Nelson Semedo: 6
Dealt well with Tottenham’s pressure tactics after having problems initially. Was lucky not to have conceded a penalty as he dragged Lucas to the ground inside the box.
Thomas Vermaelen: 7
Was an inspiring figure in the heart of the Barcelona defence as he saw off waves of attacks from Spurs and kept his goal safe.
Clement Lenglet: 6
Did well beside Pique in the middle of the backline. Should have done better to stop the late goal from being scored. Took a few knocks as well.
Juan Miranda Gonzalez: 6
A good defensive effort from the agile left back as he went up and down the pitch to stop attacks from building.
Carles Alena: 6
A composed performance from the youngster overall but could have done better with his interceptions.
Ivan Rakitic: 7
Another inspirational performance from the Croatian as he kept his cool throughout the match. Controlled the ball well and passed it in the right direction on most occasions.
Arthur: 7
Splendid outing for the Brazilian as he nipped a number of Tottenham moves in the bud and helped his side secure a point.
Ousmane Dembele: 6
Was wasteful on a few occasions but scored the all-important goal to give his side the lead against the visitors.
Munir El Haddadi: 5
Nothing special from the youngster as he wasted a very good opportunity to prove a point to Valverde with his performance on the night,
Philippe Coutinho: 7
Was agile as ever and kept the pressure on the opposition defence with his nimble footwork. Could have made Spurs suffer if his late effort would not have hit the woodwork and gone out.
Substitutes
Sergio Busquets: 7
Broke down a number of Tottenham attacks from building in the midfield.
Lionel Messi: 6
Went onto put the pressure on the opposition from the word go. Could have done better with his effort late in the match as he sent the ball over the Spurs goal.
Denis Suarez: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
