Barcelona player ratings as Arda Turan saves the day against Gladbach

Barcelona player ratings as Arda Turan saves the day against Gladbach

The Turkish player emerged from the bench to help turn the Champions League game on its head

TER STEGEN (6) Couldn’t do anything about Hazard’s goal as it arrived via a counter-attack. Until then, it had been a comfortable evening for him. Didn’t have a save to make in the second half. 

SERGI ROBERTO (6) Wasn’t his finest performance. The speed of the German side obliged him to be switched on defensively, so he couldn’t get forward much. Improved as the game went on. 

PIQUE (8) Scored the goal which gave Barcelona the victory. Suffered a little in defence and was booked at 1-1, but was in the right place to grab the winning goal. A handball in the area could have seen him give a penalty away, though, so he will have to watch that in the future. 

MASCHERANO (7) An up and down performance. However, his anticipation proved fundamental at times. Was booked for a cynical challenge.

ALBA (6) It wasn’t an easy game for the full-backs. Struggled in the first 45 minutes, but was able to get into the game more after the break. 

SERGIO BUSQUETS (5) Wasn’t at his best as the German side put him under a lot of pressure -- which is always bad news for the Blaugrana. Was at fault for the goal by giving the ball away. Fortunately it didn’t cost Barcelona the points. 

RAKITIC (5) Forced a save from Sommer in the second half, which was perhaps his best moment of the game. Was taken off before the hour for Arda Turan. 

INIESTA (6) A discrete first half and a much better second period. Thanks to his intelligence and ballplay, Barça were able to stamp their mark on the game. 

ALCACER (5) Was not very present in the game. Tried to get involved, but wasn’t able to. Was taken off in the 53rd minute. It’s proving a tough learning curve to life in Catalonia. 

SUAREZ (7) Decisive once again. Barcelona’s second goal arrived after his shot was saved, with Pique scoring the rebound. His generosity cost him a goal in the first half when he tried to set up a goal for Alcacer. His attitude and motivation was unbeatable, as ever. 

NEYMAR (7) Appeared when most needed with a great assist for Arda Turan. Alternated between the good and the bad before that. Was covered by a lot of defenders throughout the whole game. 

RAFINHA (6) Knew how to add oxygen and pause to a flagging performance when coming off the bench. 

ARDA (8) Came on to the pitch and within a few minutes had scored with an extraordinary strike. His contribution was key, not just for the goal, but for his dynamism on the right wing. 

TEAM AVERAGE: 6.2