Barcelona clashed heads with Slavia Praha at the Camp Nou in their Champions League fixture, and they were held to a 0-0 draw. The first half was an entertaining affair with some end to end football being played. The score could have easily been 2-2 at half time, but it stayed 0-0. Lionel Messi managed to hit the post after a good solo run. Slavia looked threatening on the counter, and they played some eye-catching football as well.
The home team had the ball in the back of the net in the second half as Messi squared the ball to Vidal. However, the goal was ruled out because of a marginal offside call. Barcelona had some excellent chances to win the game, but they lacked the killer instinct in the final third as Slavia’s goalkeeper made some terrific saves.
Here is how Valverde’s men fared.
Marc-André ter Stegen 6
Praha might have looked threatening, but they failed to test Ter Stegen in goal. His distribution was on point like always.
Clement Lenglet 6
Was at the right place at the right time to clear some dangers. Wasn’t tested as much as his defensive partner.
Gerard Pique 5
Always seemed on a knife-edge at the back and never looked comfortable. Made one cynical foul which got him a yellow. Had an improved second half and looked far more assured. Came close to scoring through a header but was denied by a brilliant save.
Nelson Semedo 4
Was troubled on numerous occasions by Olayinka who went past him with ease. Like most of his team-mates had a better second half as Slavia players looked tired. Wasn’t able to affect the game much while going forward. A poor game overall.
Jordi Alba 6
Created some good moments in the final third. Wasn’t tested much defensively. Substituted early probably to give Semedo some respite as he shifted to the left.
Sergio Busquets 5
Was hardly able to have any influence in stopping Slavia Praha’s counter-attacks. Some of his touches and control were majestic but wasn’t able to influence the game much.
Frenkie De Jong 6
Moved the ball well and tried hard late on in the game to get a goal for Barcelona. Did alright for most parts. Steady but unspectacular.
Arturo Vidal 5
Was all over the place in midfield and was playing in a slightly advanced role which isn’t probably his best feature. Made a few rash challenges.
Ousmane Dembele 6
Got into some really great positions in the first half but was unable to finish off moves. His final product continues to frustrate.
Antoine Griezmann 5.5
Struggled to get into the game and the first half was very much the same. Influenced play in the second half with his link-up play as he drifted more into central areas to support the attack.
Lionel Messi 7
Hit the crossbar in the first half after a good run. Should have scored when Ansu Fati set him up in the second half. Wasn’t at his majestic best but still carried the threat whenever he got on the ball.
Substitutes
Sergi Roberto 6
Semedo shifted to left, and Roberto played on the right to deal with Olayinka. Did alright defensively. Came close to scoring as he made a good run in the box.
Ansu Fati 7
Created some of the best moves in the second half. His skills, passing and movement were eye-catching.
Ivan Rakitic 4
Had a good chance to finish from the edge of the box but he fired his shot over.
