It was a hard-fought affair at the Philips Stadion as the Spanish giants Barcelona scraped out another win from their fifth match of the Champions League campaign this season. The Blaugrana are yet to lose a game in their European campaign this term and kept their winning form intact with a 2-1 win over the Dutch giants.
Barca talisman Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 61st minute with a sweet finish while Gerard Pique added to the scoreline in the 70th minute from a free-kick by Messi. PSV were not to be bogged down easily and scored a goal in the 82nd minute, but it was an effort too little too late as the Catalan giants walked away with all the three points from the match.
Barcelona have already qualified for the round of 16 and the kind of form they are in this season, the possibility of lifting a sixth Champions League trophy looks decent. Here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their win against PSV Eindhoven.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen: 6
Made a few brilliant saves throughout the match to justify his title of one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Could have done better to retain another clean sheet.
Nelson Semedo: 6
Did well defensively in place of Sergi Roberto. Lacked the pace while going up the field.
Gerard Pique: 7
Kept his side out of harm’s way with his brilliant defending in the heart of the defence and scored the all-important winning goal in the 70th minute.
Clement Lenglet: 6
Got the nod ahead of Umtiti and did well to partner Pique in the backline.
Jordi Alba: 6
Ran up and down the pitch with pace but lacked the finishing.
Ivan Rakitic: 7
Started in the midfield alongside Arturo Vidal and made some brilliant passes into the danger area.
Sergio Busquets: 6
Did well to make a number of interceptions to dispossess the opposition players. Lacked composure on occasions.
Arturo Vidal: 7
Could have given his side the lead in the first half itself if his effort was not cleared off the goalline by the PSV defenders. Brilliant with his passing and footwork.
Ousmane Dembele: 6
Did well with his quick footwork and dribbling. Lacked finishing in the final third.
Philippe Coutinho: 7
Another brilliant outing for the Brazilian.
Lionel Messi: 8
Kept the PSV defence on its toes throughout the match with his shot-making and sublime footwork. Got his reward in the 61st minute with a neat finish past Zoet.
Substitutes
Malcom: 5
Did well in his limited time on the pitch as he came on for his compatriot Coutinho.
Denis Suarez: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
