Two Luis Suarez strikes and Lionel Messi‘s 400th La Liga goal helped Barcelona beat Eibar 3-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Suarez opened the scoring in the first half after good play from Philippe Coutinho, then set up Messi’s landmark goal after the break before rounding off the scoring as Barca restored their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Postives
Suarez’s form has been hot and cold over the past 18 months and that, combined with the fact he is nearly 32, mean questions have been asked about his place in the team. In recent weeks, though, he has found form and is second only to Messi in La Liga’s scoring chart. The pair have 31 goals between them, which is more than any other team with the exception of Sevilla and Celta Vigo, who have scored the same number.
Meanwhile, Coutinho’s display was also a plus. He has been on the bench for four successive league games but took his chance after being restored to the line-up.
Negatives
Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele were predictable substitutes. And both deserve minutes, but with Barca 3-0 up, it would have been nice to see another run-out for academy product Carles Alena.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — Ernesto Valverde brought in Coutinho and Arthur Melo; both played well and added freshness to the team.
Player ratings: (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 — Did what he had to do well but, aside from dealing with crosses and weak shots, he was not really tested by Eibar.
DF Sergi Roberto, 6 — Set up Suarez’s second goal but was caught out a couple of times defensively. The battle with Marc Cucurella, who is on loan at Eibar from Barca, was well-contested.
DF Gerard Pique, 7 — Dealt with a number of crosses and looked comfortable throughout. After making a slow start to the campaign, he has found his form.
DF Clement Lenglet, 7 — The central defender looks completely at home in Barca’s back four. He is good in the air, confident on the ball and full of confidence.
DF Jordi Alba, 6 — Had a couple of link-ups with Messi in the first half but this was not his finest attacking game. Nonetheless, he was up and down the flank for the whole game in another committed display.
Luis Suarez has scored five goals in his past five Liga games.
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 — Gave the ball away a couple of times but also produced some good longer passes. Taken off for a rest in the second half.
MF Arthur Melo, 7 — Typically composed against Eibar’s high press, he was comfortable on the ball and always able to twist away from his marker before playing a pass.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 — Restored to a more attacking role with Busquets back at the base of the midfield. Rakitic worked hard to make sure the forwards could get on the ball in good areas high up the pitch.
FW Lionel Messi, 7 — Brought up 400 league goals with his 17th of the season. Once again, he produced some highlight reel moments, but was overshadowed by Suarez across the 90.
FW Luis Suarez, 9 — Took both goals with real class and set up Messi’s effort. A sublime backheel created another Messi chance. This was a superb showing from the Uruguayan striker, who took his season tally to 14 league goals.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 8 — Needed a big performance after a sluggish midweek showing in the Copa del Rey. He was brilliant in the build-up to Suarez’s opener and grew in confidence from there, showing great touches and good vision.
Substitutes
MF Arturo Vidal, 6 — Added some energy in the final half-hour and afforded Busquets a break.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 6 — Was a threat with his pace, racing clear a couple of times. However, he did not deliver in the final third, missing one chance and overhitting a pass to Messi.
DF Nelson Semedo, NR — Came on for Sergi Roberto for the closing minutes.
Be the first to comment