Barcelona sealed their place in the knockout rounds of this season’s UEFA Champions League by securing a commendable 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou.
The Catalans were in control right from the start, though Dortmund did get a glorious opportunity to score in the very first minute. They relentlessly attacked the visitors and deservedly scored the opener in the 29th minute through Luis Suarez. Lionel Messi doubled Barca’s lead only a few moments later as the first half ended 2-0 in favour of the Catalans.
It was pretty much the same story in the second half. The hosts even tripled their advantage in the 67th minute, thanks to substitute Antoine Griezmann’s excellent finish. However, they were given a scare in the final stages of the game, where Dortmund dominated and managed to grab a consolation goal through Jadon Sancho.
Here is how Ernesto Valverde’s men fared in their win over the Bundesliga giants this evening.
Marc Andre ter Stegen 8
Had very little to do for the most part of the game as Dortmund barely managed to breach the Barcelona defence. However, he made two extraordinary saves to deny both Julian Brandt and Jadon Sancho. Couldn’t have done anything to save the goal, though.
Sergi Roberto 7.5
Roberto displayed an excellent show on strength on the far side. His determination and willingness to win back possession for his side crippled Dortmund on the right flank. Did look rusty with his passing and movements down the right flank.
Samuel Umtiti 7.5
A decent showing from the Frenchman, who was filling in for the suspended Gerard Pique. He offered very little space to the likes of Marco Reus and Julian Brandt in the final third.
Clement Lenglet 8
Made a few important clearances to keep the Dortmund attack at bay whenever they tried to find a way to breach the Barca backline. A relatively good performance from the defender, considering he was returning from an injury.
Junior Firpo 8
Could have defended better against Sancho for Dortmund’s first goal. But, the Dominican fullback, who was deputising for the injured Jordi Alba, was strong on the far side that forced the visitors to become more occupied in their own defensive third.
Ivan Rakitic 8.5
Started the game incredibly well, taking part in every good moment for Barcelona. Rakitic’s delightful one-touching and understanding with the likes of Messi and Suarez left the Dortmund midfielders and defenders completely bamboozled. His impact did gradually decrease before he was taken off in the second half.
Sergio Busquets 7.5
Looked a bit rusty at times and clearly didn’t stand out as much as he would have wanted to. Nonetheless, the Spaniard provided the composure in the midfield and made a few important tackles.
Frenkie de Jong 8.5
Frenkie de Jong’s contributions in the middle of the park were crucial behind Barcelona’s dominance in midfield against Dortmund. The young Dutchman distributed possession and eased his side’s transition from midfield to attack. He also looked quite good on the ball and rarely gave away possession.
Lionel Messi 9.5
It was another perfect performance from Messi, who ingenuity and fast movements were proving just way too much for the Dortmund defence. The Argentine superstar made several solo runs across the backline and was involved in all three goals. His pass to find both Suarez and Griezmann were exquisite. It was an ideal way to mark his 700th competitive appearance for the club.
Luis Suarez 9
Once again showcased his ingenuity in the final third by making several intelligent runs in and around the Dortmund backline. His seemingly telepathic combination with Messi was also one of the highlights of the game along with his excellent finish to find the opener in the first half.
Ousmane Dembele 7
Lacked the final product, despite looking menacing whenever he had the ball. The Frenchman, unfortunately, had to come off after picking up a knock. He was replaced by Griezmann just after the first quarter of the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Antoine Griezmann 9
Stole the show and proved why he deserves to be Barcelona’s first-choice attacker. Griezmann’s combination play with Messi and Suarez were promising while the Frenchman also worked hard to provide the push in the final third. Produced an excellent finish to score the third goal.
Arturo Vidal N/A
Replaced the tiring Rakitic in the 78th minute.
Moussa Wague N/A
A late replacement for the ageing Suarez.
