La Liga leaders Barcelona extended the gap between themselves and Real Madrid atop the table to five points after putting lowly Mallorca to the sword by a comfortable 4-0 scoreline. It took the Catalan side just a little over one minute to open the scoring tonight, and despite periods of home pressure, Quique Setien’s team were able to ride out the storm and come out stronger. Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi were all on the scoresheet tonight, as it looked like the lockdown had no effect on the Argentine superstar whatsoever. Here are the Barcelona player ratings Vs Mallorca:
Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Mallorca
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 8
The shot-stopper looked to be in top form today, as he was forced into a few brilliant saves by the Mallorca attackers. The picks of the lot came in the first-half when he kept Take Kubo out on two occasions.
Sergi Roberto – 7.5
The versatile full-back linked up well whenever called into action and didn’t allow too many attacks to develop down his flank. Was taken off in the second half as he began to look fatigued.
Gerard Pique – 7
The Spaniard played a couple of uncharacteristic loose passes throughout the fixture. Lost some headers to the Mallorca target man, but overall did a solid job commandeering the back-line.
Ronald Araujo – 8
The youngster was given his full debut by Quique Setien tonight, and he showed himself in an excellent light. Didn’t show any signs of fragility during the fixture, and looked confident in possession too.
Jordi Alba – 8.5
The veteran full-back was among the best players on the pitch tonight, as he constantly overlapped down the flanks to provide added support. Setup the first goal before scoring one himself later.
Arturo Vidal – 7.5
The Chilean got the Catalan side onto an absolute flyer of a start, as he opened the scoring as early as the 62nd second. Bombarded forward on every opportunity and worked hard off the ball as well.
Sergio Busquets – 7
The Spanish veteran put up a typically composed display in the core of the team breaking up opposition passes and trying to push forward. Had periods where he couldn’t affect the tie at all.
Frenkie De Jong – 8
The Dutch starlet was quite sensational in the middle of the park for Quique Setien’s side, as he controlled the tempo of the game right from the off. Won back the ball on the lead up to the early opener.
Lionel Messi – 9
The Argentine magician performed like he was never gone and came into the tie like a man on a mission. Went on multiple mazy dribbles to dumbfound the Mallorca defence, and also picked up two assists and a late goal.
Antoine Griezmann – 6
The Frenchman’s struggles in the Catalan outfit’s kit continues, as he seemed to be unable to make the ball stick. Never really impacted the tie, and looked shabby in possession at times too.
Martin Braithwaite – 8
The Danish international was in the right place at the right time to score Barcelona’s second goal on the night with great aplomb. Linked up well and had a couple of other decent chances as well.
Substitutes
Ivan Rakitic – 7
Passed the ball around well and ensured that the Barcelona attackers were never short of an option in the final third. Exuded confidence in the latter stages of the fixture.
Luis Suarez – 7
Setup the Leo Messi goal in the final knockings of the tie, but had a couple of decent opportunities prior to that which he wasted. Will need to work on his match fitness.
Nelson Semedo – 6.5
Came on with the Catalan side in full control and put in a composed display at the back.
Arthur – 6
Played a couple of loose passes after coming on, but looked good in possession.
Junior Firpo – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
