La Liga giants Barcelona dropped more valuable points in the title race tonight after a humbling 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid. The Catalan side took the lead early on thanks to a fortunate Diego Costa own goal. Madrid were soon given a penalty, which was slotted home by Saul Niguez after Costa’s first attempt at the spot-kick was saved illegally by Ter Stegen. There were to be two more penalties in the tie after that – one which Messi put away for his 700th career goal, while the other slotted in by Saul Niguez to equalise the score yet again. The timings of Quique Setien’s substitutions have to be questioned, and it’s likely that his decisions will be blamed for the two points dropped tonight.
Here Are The Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Atletico Madrid:
Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Atletico Madrid
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 6
The German shot-stopper didn’t have too many saves to make throughout the fixture but stepped off his line to gift Atletico a penalty retake. Should’ve done better with the second spot-kick also.
Nelson Semedo – 6
The Portuguese speedster was heavily involved in the second half as he won the Barcelona penalty, before going on to concede the second Atletico penalty. Made some good forward forays though.
Gerard Pique – 7
The Spanish veteran was rather composed in the box for the most part and didn’t allow Diego Costa too much space to work in. Used his physical prowess to good effect tonight.
Clement Lenglet – 7
The centre-half was fluent with the ball at his feet and managed to position himself efficiently all through the night. Tracked the runners well and moved the ball quickly to beat the Atletico press.
Jordi Alba – 6.5
The speedster wasn’t too involved in proceedings tonight as a majority of the game was played in midfield. Tried to get forward on every opportunity though and played some good passes infield.
Ivan Rakitic – 7
The Croatian displayed his brilliant composure on the ball in the first half but slowly began to lose his influence in the second. Played some excellent passes and was the main catalyst for the attack.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5
The Spanish veteran put in a typically sturdy display in the heart of midfield tonight, as every Barcelona attack first went through him. Made multiple vital tackles and interceptions as well.
Riqui Puig – 8.5
The little midfielder was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch as he seemed to ooze finesse in possession. Confident on the ball, but at the same time has the vision to pick out the best possible pass.
Lionel Messi – 8
The Argentine superstar didn’t have his most influential game today, but when the moment came, he stepped up and did the job. Scored his 700th career goal with a panenka penalty against Oblak.
Luis Suarez – 6
The Uruguayan forward offered next to nothing in the final third tonight, as he was barely involved in the Catalan side’s attacking play. Needs to work on his general match sharpness.
Arturo Vidal – 6.5
The midfielder had multiple opportunities to stick the ball in but seemed to be narrowly wide on every occasion. Played some good passes in the middle of the park. Gave away the first penalty though.
Substitutes
Sergi Roberto – 7
The second-half substitute was fluent with the ball at his feet and took over as the midfield anchor after Sergio Busquets was brought off as well. Showed high confidence in possession.
Ansu Fati – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Antoine Griezmann – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
