Barcelona player ratings from win over Athletic Bilbao

Ter Stegen 8 - A good game with some smart stops to deny Athletic. His solidity and presence was a big positive for his team-mates.

Aleix Vidal 8 - Defensively has a couple of problems but when it comes to taking the ball forward and attacking, he has a fine time. Ended up scoring and playing as a winger after Sergi Roberto came on.

Gerard Pique 6 - Committed an error when he gave the ball away to Raul Garcia and then fouled him. Was never comfortable and got taken off after injuring his thigh.

Samuel Umtiti 6 - Gave the ball away to Garcia like Pique did but Ter Stegen saved the Spaniard’s shot. Was never settled against the ferocity of Los Leones.

Jeremy Mathieu 6 - Played as a left back, getting forward with some danger. Helped Umtiti and Pique with some clearances from the area.

Andre Gomes 6 - Didn’t have a great game as the pivot, although improved as it went on. His first minutes were worrying, late to balls and looking lost. But after the break he was more composed.

Rafinha 5 - Brought little to the game playing as the right interior. Ended up being taken off after cutting his head open on Ter Stegen’s boots. 

Arda Turan 5 - The Turk likes to play further up and did not help Barcelona monopolise the midfield. Had little involvement in the play. We hope on Tuesday he will be better as Neymar’s replacement.

Lionel Messi 9 - Scored a fierce free-kick with Gorka’s help. A spectacular game from the Argentine, until Lucho took him off for a rest after an hour. 

Paco Alcacer 7 - More than 300 minutes without his first La Liga goal, but he eventually got it, firing home after Neymar’s pass. Before he set up the Brazilian but he could not finish.

Neymar 9 - Barcelona’s most dynamic and dangerous player. However he could not find the net despite his fine display. A shame he has to sit out the cup game through suspension. 

SUBS

Javier Mascherano 7

Ivan Rakitic 6

Sergi Roberto 6