Barça 3-1 Ajax: How the players rated at Camp Nou

Barça 3-1 Ajax: How the players rated at Camp Nou

This vital European game took on extra importance for Barca’s players with the Clasico lurking just around the corner.

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Marc Andre-ter Stegen 6

Did not have to make a single save before Ajax’s goal. Could have commanded his box better for Anwar El Ghazi’s finish but was also let down by a haphazard defence.

Dani Alves 6

A bit imprecise in his passing and put in a few aimless crosses, plus two wayward free-kicks. But no big mistakes and there is no question he will start against Real Madrid.

Gerard Pique 4

Another worryingly casual performance from the centre-half. In the first half he got mugged in his own area by Ricardo Kishna and was fortunate the forward got cold feet when he caught sight of goal. In the second half he came close to scoring an embarrassing own goal and you could hear a murmur of boos from the home crowd. His place in the line-up for the Bernabeu is by no means certain.

Marc Bartra 6

Looked far more solid than his distant partner Pique but did not cover himself in glory with Ajax’s goal, outmuscled in the box as the ball was put across to El Ghazi.

Jordi Alba 7

Good going forward and also handy at the back - robbed the ball from Arkadiusz Milik as Ajax attacked after pulling the goal back.

Andres Iniesta 8

His best performance of what has been - until last night - a disappointing season. Was alert, reactive and magical. Played a precision pass for Messi to score and then nearly scored what would have been Barca’s goal of the session - dancing his way through the Ajax defence but was denied by Cillessen.

Ivan Rakitic 6

Back in starting line-up for first time in three games. Kept things ticking over nicely and made the odd interception but was not decisive. One attempt on goal easily saved by Jasper Cillessen.

Javier Mascherano 7

Patrolled the area in front of Barcelona’s box with his usual guard dog instincts. The ‘jefecito’ sniffed out any Dutch danger and barked instructions at his team-mates when they were caught out of position.

Pedro 6

Was like a hyperactive toddler but had more menace than in previous outings. Hit the post after great work by Messi in the first half and was wasteful again after the break. To make matters worse, Luis Suarez’s ban is now over and the Uruguayan has every chance of replacing him on Saturday.

Lionel Messi 9

Electric once again. Caused havoc for Ajax all night, beginning with his stylish manoeuvre to release Neymar for the first goal. Scored Barca’s second and could well have scored more had Luis Enrique not called for his substitution…and on this occasion manage to pull it off.

Neymar 8

Another strong performance from the Brazilian, who has vanquished any doubts people may have had about him from last season. Produced a classy finish to give Barca the lead and linked up well with Messi and his other team-mates until replaced by Sandro.

Substitutes

Sandro 7

Harried the Ajax back line and pressed well, putting himself about. He was rewarded for his exertions in injury time, controlling Rafinha’s pass well and drilling into the far corner to score his first goal at the Camp Nou.

Rafinha n/a

Munir n/a