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Apr 18, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
VL

2-0

Suarez (1'), Messi (94')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-0 Valencia

:Headline: Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-0 Valencia: ID:217978: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed during Barcelona's 2-0 win over Valencia in La Liga.

Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

The first goal of the match came inside the first minute as Luis Suarez netted from inside the box.

Los Che had a number of opportunities to find the back of the net, but missed a penalty through Dani Parejo before Lionel Messi added a second for the hosts in stoppage time.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed in Barcelona.


BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Had a busy first period and produced a number of fine saves - including a smart stop from the penalty spot. Deserves to hold onto the number-one position at the Camp Nou. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Returned from suspension to occupy the right-back berth, but the Brazilian had a mixed afternoon. Dangerous going forward, but conceded possession in a number of dangerous areas. (6/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Like Alves, Mathieu returned to the XI for this one and similarly struggled in the first period. That said, the centre-back did grow into the game. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Has been in fine form in recent weeks, but the Spaniard gave away a poor penalty and looked a little leggy on a number of occasions, especially early on. (6/10)

Adriano: Found it really difficult to contain Sofiane Feghouli in the first period and gave away a number of dangerous free kicks. Was replaced by Ivan Rakitic at the interval. (6/10)

Midfield

Javier Mascherano: Was brought back into midfield to sit alongside Busquets, but it was not one of the Argentine's better games. Improved after the break, but was a little sloppy on the ball. (6/10)

Sergio Busquets: Showed excellent awareness to play his part in Barcelona's opener and the Spaniard formed a strong shield in the second period. Had a good afternoon. (7/10)

Xavi: Struggled to make his mark in the first period as Valencia won the midfield battle, but the Spaniard improved in the second half. Was replaced by Sergi Roberto late on. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Had a fine game against Paris Saint-Germain during the week, but the Brazilian struggled to make a serious impact here. Always dangerous, but not many opportunities came his way. (6/10)

Luis Suarez: Continued his fine scoring run with a goal inside the first minute of action. Remained a constant threat until leaving the field for Pedro in the second period. (7/10)

Lionel Messi: Hit the crossbar with a super free kick in the second period, before getting his name on the scoresheet late on. Also set up Suarez for the opening goal of the match. (7/10)

Substitutes

Ivan Rakitic: Replaced Adriano at the interval and his introduction saw Barcelona gain control of the midfield battle. Took up a number of intelligent positions. (7/10)

Pedro: Given the final 25 minutes to make an impact and his pace caused Valencia problems. Will surely look to leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season, though. (6/10)

Sergi Roberto: Kept possession well in the final 10 minutes of action. (6/10)


VALENCIA

Goal

Diego Alves: Was not as busy as he might have expected to be and was unfortunate with the second goal. Has been one of La Liga's best goalkeepers this season. (6/10)

Defence

Antonio Barragan: Had a really strong opening 20 minutes or so when Valencia were on the front foot, but, like a number of his teammates, went out of the game in the second period. (6/10)

Shkodran Mustafi: Was caught out inside the first minute when Barcelona opened the scoring, but the German settled as the match developed. A little sloppy in possession at times. (6/10)

Nicolas Otamendi: Had an outstanding game at the back. Had Messi running at him on a number of occasions, but won the battle more times than not. Had a super afternoon. (8/10)

Lucas Orban: Was caught for pace as Barcelona scored inside the first minute, but the defender recovered pretty well from that early blow. Was taken off injured at the interval. (6/10)

Midfield

Javi Fuego: Has become a fixture in the Valencia side in recent weeks and the Spaniard had a strong game here. Did not stop running for the entirety of the match. (7/10)

Andre Gomes: Has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season and the youngster had a fine first half. Struggled to make his mark in the second, though. (6/10)

Dani Parejo: Had a wonderful chance to level from the penalty spot, but saw his effort saved by Bravo. Remained a threat, but the disappointment of the miss seemed to play on his mind. (6/10)

Attack

Rodrigo Moreno: Caused the home side all sorts of problems in the first period and was also his side's biggest threat after the break. Unfortunate to be on the losing side in Barcelona. (7/10)

Paco Alcacer: Hit the post during what was a strong first-half performance, but it just would not go in for the Spaniard. Worked extremely hard before being replaced by Alvaro Negredo. (7/10)

Sofiane Feghouli: Caused all sorts of problems in the first period with his pace and movement, while he delivered a couple of excellent crosses. Departed for the final 20 minutes of action. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jose Gaya: Fit-again full-back entered at the break and he dealt well with the Barcelona threat from a wide position. Not too much going forward, though. (6/10)

Joao Cancelo: It came as a surprise when the right-back replaced Feghouli after 67 minutes, and he did not have much of an impact. Couple of strong runs, but not much end product. (6/10)

Alvaro Negredo: Replaced Alcacer for the final 15 minutes and the Spaniard struggled to make his mark. Entered during a period when Barcelona were in control of the possession. (6/10)


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