La Liga giants Barcelona cleared Real Madrid on the table by five points tonight after a comfortable 2-0 victory against lowly Leganes at an empty Camp Nou. Although the home side didn’t start looking very confident, a moment of pure brilliance from young Ansu Fati just before half-time completely tipped the scales in Barcelona’s favour.
A Griezmann finish was disallowed for offside, after which Messi went on a mazy run and won himself a penalty. The Argentine ace scored from the spot to ensure that Leganes travelled back with nothing to show for their trip to Catalonia.
Here Are The Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Leganes:
Barcelona Player Ratings Vs Leganes
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 7.5
The shot-stopper used this opportunity to highlight the influence that he possesses. Despite not having to make too many saves, he played the ball out from the back with supreme confidence.
Sergi Roberto – 6.5
The versatile defender did a decent job in the first-half apart from a moment of blemish during an early Leganes attack. Couldn’t pierce offensively though and was taken off in the second period.
Gerard Pique – 7
The Spanish veteran held his own for most of the game, and apart from a couple of moments of weakness in the first half, wasn’t caused too much trouble by the defensive Leganes starting eleven tonight.
Clement Lenglet – 7
The Frenchman was rock solid at the back on the night as he put in a fairly dominant performance. Made some good interceptions and also managed a quite brilliant goal-line clearance as well.
Junior Firpo – 7.5
The speedster was a constant nuisance down the flank for the Leganes defence, as he bombarded forward on every opportunity. Picked out some good passes and earned himself an assist too.
Ivan Rakitic – 7
The Croatian, like all the rest of the Barcelona players, showed some excellent touches in possession of the ball. He did, though, play a couple of wayward passes in the first half.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5
The Spaniard had to do a lot of work tonight as the Leganes defence seemed to be a perfectly structured brick wall. Moved it around well and helped out in defence at the same time.
Arthur Melo – 7
The midfielder showcased some strong link-up play with the likes of Busquets and Rakitic. Played some neat balls into space and worked hard in the defensive phase early on too.
Lionel Messi – 8
The Argentine superstar was at it again tonight, as he gave the stubborn Leganes defence a torrid time with his dribbling and quick movement. Earned himself a penalty and smashed it in with ease.
Antoine Griezmann – 6.5
The Frenchman, like in their last win, didn’t have the desired impact in the final third, despite taking up some good positions. Had a goal disallowed by VAR after Semedo was caught offside.
Ansu Fati – 7.5
The teenager was undoubtedly the Catalan side’s best player in the first half, which made his substitution early in the second period a shock. Found a yard of space and finished well to score.
Substitutes
Nelson Semedo – 6.5
Got forward well after coming onto the pitch and played in some decent balls aimed at the forwards too. Was marginally called offside by VAR after Griezmann diverted his cross in.
Luis Suarez – 6
Had a couple of touches but failed to make any sort of meaningful impact. Understandable swap though, as the forward is gradually making his way back from injury.
Arturo Vidal – 6.5
The Chilean midfielder had to do with a place on the bench tonight, despite opening the scoring within two minutes last time out. Created an excellent chance in the later stages.
Samuel Umtiti – 6.5
The Frenchman came on in place of Gerard Pique late into the second half. Didn’t make any glaring mistakes and looked composed enough with the ball at his feet too.
Riqui Puig – 6.5
The youngster took a couple of strong touches in the final third and had two decent efforts at goal as well. Likely made the impact that Quique Setien desired from him.
