Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-0 Manchester United
Lionel Messi scored twice in a comfortable win
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7/10
The German pretty much had the night off in the first leg as Manchester United did not manage a shot on target, and he wasn’t much more involved at the Camp Nou. Made a brilliant save from Alexis Sanchez late on to preserve his clean sheet.
Sergi Roberto: 7/10
Replaced Nelson Semedo at right-back again, and he had a decent game up against Anthony Martial. A little unlucky not to score Barcelona’s third when sliding in at the far post, but his effort somehow hit De Gea and stayed out.
Gerard Pique: 8/10
Showed great anticipation against the pace of Marcus Rashford and continued the fine form he’s shown this season with another strong display in the heart of the Barcelona defence.
Clement Lenglet: 7/10
Continues to be Valverde’s first choice in defence alongside Pique despite Samuel Umtiti’s return to fitness. Had looked a little uncertain early on, but otherwise had a very comfortable evening.
Jordi Alba: 8/10
A typical Alba performance, spent most of the match joining in with the attack and linking up with Messi, Coutinho and Suarez.
Ivan Rakitic: 8/10
Thought he’d won a penalty early on after going down under a challenge from Fred, only to see the decision overturned by VAR. Hunted down the ball for Messi’s opener and was excellent all night long.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
Was far from his best in the first leg, but this was much more like it from Busquets. He also avoided picking up a second yellow card that would have seen him miss the first leg of the semi-finals.
Arthur: 8/10
Has looked a little short of form in recent weeks but was back to his best against Manchester United and took such care of the ball. Completely outshone Paul Pogba in midfield and helped Barcelona control the game.
Lionel Messi: 9/10
Served up another masterclass with two goals and some real brilliance on the ball (just ask Phil Jones). The captain seemed to be almost toying with United at times and looks absolutely determined to bring the European Cup back to Barcelona this season.
Luis Suarez: 6/10
Still no Champions League goal for Suarez this season, and he never really looked like breaking his drought either. A cheeky chip right at the end of the game was the closest he came. Could quite possibly face Liverpool in the semi-finals, will his first goal come against his former side?
Philippe Coutinho: 8/10
Got the nod ahead of Ousmane Dembele and produced a trademark stunner on the hour mark right into the top corner to put Barcelona 3-0 up. Has looked better in recent weeks, and this felt like a really big moment for the Brazilian in his Barcelona career.
Ernesto Valverde: 8/10
Made just one change to his team from the first leg by bringing in Sergi Roberto for Nelson Semedo. He also resisted the temptation to start Ousmane Dembele over Philippe Coutinho and was rewarded for his patience, as the Brazilian scored a fine goal to finish off United.
The Team: 9/10
Had a early scare when Marcus Rashford hit the woodwork but otherwise cruised through the game in a dominant display. Messi’s brilliance put them in control, and they could not really have wished for a more comfortable evening. Top stuff.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Post a Comment