Jasper Cillessen
Made a simply stunning save with the score at 1-0. Gaya was no more than two yards out when he hit the ball towards goal but Cillessen’s lighting reactions helped him push it away. This save was as important as a goal because at 1-1, the momentum would have been with Valencia.
Sam says: 9
You say: 9
Sergi Roberto
Was neccessary in keeping a very fluid Valencia attack at bay. Didn't really venture forward as much as usually but he completed his primary job of helping Barça to that clean sheet.
Sam says: 7
You say: 7
Samuel Umtiti
Another “you shall not pass” performance from Umtiti. Making two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances whilst blocking three shots ensured Valencia’s goal tally remained at 0.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
Gerard Piqué
Rodrigo was causing Piqué plenty of problems throughout the match. It seemed as if the Valencia striker was targeting Piqué over Umtiti due to the former’s relative lack of pace and it was benefiting the striker. He did also at times look like he was suffering from that recent injury but he dealt with the majority of the questions asked of him.
Sam says: 7
You say: 8
Jordi Alba
Very involved with the play and made the fifth most touches of any Barça player. However, his passing did let him down on occasion as he dropped to an accuracy of 85.9%. Could have won his team a penalty when his shot hit the arms of Montoya but the referee said no.
Sam says: 7
You say: 7
Sergio Busquets
A very strong performance from Busquets in which he dominated the midfield. It was rare the Valencia players ever got in behind centrally and they were usually forced outside due to Busquets’ presence. Made four tackles, there interceptions and two clearances.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
Ivan Rakitić
Made a bit of a mess with a relatively easy shot in the second half but made up for it with a good finish to seal the game for Barça. Became more involved in the game with the introduction of Coutinho which allowed him to play more centrally.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
Andrés Iniesta
Kept the Barça game ticking over if not too adventurous in his attacking. Suprsingly recored the joint highest amount of tackles for a Barcelona player. Left the field in the 64th minute.
Sam says: 7
You say: 8
Andre Gomes
Did little during his time on the pitch and was hooked at half time.
Sam says: 4
You say: 5
Luis Suárez
A simply wonderful run and then pass to find Countiho for the first goal. You can see the confidence flowing through the Uruguayan thanks to his recent form and his work for the first goal was evidence of this. His perseverance then earned him another assist as he refused to go down from a bad Valencia challenge. He stayed on his feet, fed in Rakitić and the Croatian scored. Throughout the game, he was fantastic.
Sam says: 9
You say: 9
Lionel Messi
Was coming increasingly closer to scoring in the opening stages. First a free kick was punched clear then a long range effort did not quite curl enough but it was a sign of things to come. Managed six shots in the game and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
Philippe Coutinho
Introduced at half time, one of Coutinho’s very first touches was a technically very difficult finish for Barça’s opener. Sliding to reach the ball, the Brazilian had to cushion it back across goal and into the far corner. A glorious goal to open your Barça account.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
Paulinho
Played half an hour but did not contribute a massive amount.
Sam says: 6
You say: 7
Yerry Mina
Made his long awaited Barcelona debut.
Sam says: N/A
You say: 7
Ernesto Valverde
Another excellent example of game management from Valverde. His starting line-up was correct and he introduced substitutions at key times.
Sam says: 8
You say: 8
The Team
Marshalled the Valencia attacks well while enjoying many of their own. Sometimes were guilty of not being clinical enough.
Sam says: 7
You say: 8
MOTM
Sam says: Luis Suárez
You say: Luis Suárez
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