Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Ajax 2-0 in the Champions League this evening.

The brace from the Argentine moved him onto 71 Champions League goals - level with former Real Madrid striker Raul.

Meanwhile, the three points for the visitors secured their spot in the next round and eliminated Ajax in the process.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the Group F clash.

AJAX

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Made some smart saves, especially in the early stages and again late on, but was at fault for the first goal when he failed to collect a looping cross. (6/10)

Defence

Ricardo Van Rhijn: Was fortunate to escape a booking after a number of late challenges, but did well to quell the threat of Neymar while the Brazilian was on the field. (6/10)

Joel Veltman: Put his team in trouble late on after seeing red 20 minutes from time. Should have known better than to lunge at Messi while on a booking. (5/10)

Nicklas Moisander: Was one of three Ajax players to pick up a booking in the first period, but did a decent job marking Luis Suarez, who drifted inside as the match advanced. (6/10)

Nicolai Boilesen: Had to deal with Suarez in the first period and largely impressed against the Uruguay international. However, the full-back was not seen as an attacking threat. (6/10)

Midfield

Davy Klaasen: Did his best to swamp the Barca midfield in the first period and largely performed that job well, but he faded in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)

Thulani Sereno: His side's best player on the night. Made things happen from a deep position and caused Barca problems with his power in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Lucas Andersen: Came close with a couple of attempts in the first period, but failed to find the back of the net. Was withdrawn 20 minutes from time. (6/10)

Attack

Anwar El Ghazi: Always looked capable of making something happen in the final third, but let frustration get the better of him in the second period. (7/10)

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson: Struggled to influence proceedings in Amsterdam. Had some bright moments in the first period, but was withdrawn just past the hour mark. (6/10)

Lasse Schone: Another that threatened the Barcelona defence with his quality from wide positions, but like a number of his teammates, went missing in the second period. (7/10)

Substitutes

Arkadiusz Milik: Hit the post with a header moments after entering the field. Looked very lively in the final third and certainly caused Barca problems. (7/10)

Jairo Riedewald: Was introduced to provide cover after Veltman was sent from the field, but could not prevent his side conceding a second goal. (6/10)

Stefano Denswil: Did not enter until the 80th minute and therefore had little time to influence the match. (6/10)

BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Did not have much to do in terms of saves, but looked very competent in possession of the ball. Seems to be settling with each passing match. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Was caught out of position on a number of occasions in the first period, but did improve as the match advanced and offered an attacking threat of his own. (6/10)

Marc Bartra: Preferred to Gerard Pique this evening and vindicated his manager's decision. Looked calm and composed at the heart of the back four. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: Has been his side's best defender all season and that continued in this match. Never looked flustered as he controlled his area of the field. (7/10)

Jordi Alba: Should have scored in the first period, but his effort was straight at Cillessen. Caused Ajax problems in attack and was also sound at the back. (7/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Took an early knock from El Ghazi and then struggled in the first period, but proved a more calming presence in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)

Xavi: Handed a start due to Andres Iniesta's absence, but did not make much of an impact. Tidy in possession of the ball, but struggled to drive his team forward. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Produced a couple of brilliant passes in the first period, but largely struggled to make his mark. Needs to be performing at a slightly higher level. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Had a decent first period as he linked with Messi in attack, but the Brazilian faded in the second half and was replaced by Pedro after 75 minutes. (6/10)

Lionel Messi: Once again the main attraction for Barcelona. Scored twice on the night, with his second moving him onto 71 Champions League goals. (8/10)

Luis Suarez: Worked harder than anyone in a wide area, but fluffed his golden chance in the second period after being put through on goal by Messi. (6/10)

Substitutes

Pedro: Replaced Neymar after 75 minutes and made an instant impact - setting up Messi's second goal with an excellent low cross. Brilliant cameo from the Spaniard. (7/10)

Rafinha: Only had 10 minutes on the field, but showed some nice touches in the middle of the park as he linked with Messi and Suarez. (6/10)

Adriano: Replaced Alves after 83 minutes, but saw little of the ball. (6/10)