Barcelona player ratings: Betis bested by Messi

Barcelona player ratings: Betis bested by Messi

Claudio Bravo 6 - Did his role perfectly. Not worked too hard, but just had to concentrate and be alert. Saved a header from Bruno early on, went off injured towards the end. 

Dani Alves 6 - Had an intense duel with Martin Montoya through the game. Little accuracy with his crosses but always available to help his team-mates. 

Gerard Pique 6 - Delivered with intensity. Was booked in the first half and had to live with it the whole game. It didn't stop him from halting Betis' attacks. 

Javier Mascherano 6 - Barcelona had plenty of the ball and his role was essential, stopping any counter-attacks. Blocked an effort from Ruben Castro. 

Jordi Alba 6 - Whether he's playing well or not, persistence is one of his virtues. He looked to link up with Neymar and also had a shot from one attack. The Brazilian could take risks because Alba had his back.

Sergio Busquets 7 - Quick when the game required it to be, and brought calm when the opposite was needed. Always open to his team-mates, patient, intelligent, read the game better than anyone when Betis were down to 10. 

Andres Iniesta 7 - The conductor between Barcelona's defence and attack. Showed a lot of resources when looking for where he could cause damage. He couldn't find the decisive pass and dedicated himself to adding fluidity to the midfield. 

Ivan Rakitic 7 - Couldn't get too involved in the play in the first half, but did so as soon as the second began - scoring the opener, especially delighted for his time as a Sevilla player. Another important goal.

Lionel Messi 8 - Man of the match. Set up Rakitic with a scooped pass and then created the second for Suarez with a through-ball. Always apepars, one way or another. 

Luis Suarez 6 - Hard work up front to help out his team-mates. A couple of poor shots, missing a one-on-one, but eventually found the net the next chance he got.

Neymar 7 - Not resigning himself to just being a 'good' player, he had some individual moments that will reconcile himself with the fans. Played in Neymar and provoked Bruno's yellow card. Headed wide and saw a shot saved, as well as putting on a great through-ball for Suarez. Played a complete game - he's back. 

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SUBS

Sergi Roberto 6

Arda Turan 5

Ter Stegen 5