Espanyol 0-2 Barça: Player ratings as Andres Iniesta turns it on for second time in a week

Claudio Bravo (8): Only called into action three times, each time doing well. His first save wasn't until the 69th minute, from Sergio Garcia, and he made two more from Lucas Vazquez and Christian Stuani. 

Dani Alves (7): Pressed high up the pitch and wasn't beaten at the back. 

Gerard Pique (7): Very focused, kept the defensive line in order. Took the ball out well from the back, too. 

Javier Mascherano (9): The best defender. Always atent and quick to recover the ball, he cleaned up several errors made by his teammates, including several from Busquets.

Jordi Alba (7): Was giving a complete performance until Mateu Lahoz sent him off unfairly. Attacked the left flank dangerously. Set up Neymar's goal. Just after the break, though, he was shown two yellows by the referee after failing to be awarded a corner. 

Rafinha (6): Worked hard pressing, which didn't allow him the chance to shine elsewhere. 

Sergio Busquets (5): Lost the ball various times and in dangerous areas. Was also booked for trying to pull of an unnecessary 'roulette', losing the ball and making a foul. 

Andres Iniesta (9): Looking at his best at a crucial point in the season. Was the brains of the team in the middle of the pitch. 

Neymar (8): Opened the scoring, guiding the ball into the net after a good team move. Looked fresh and created danger with his pace. The only 'but' is he missed a couple of chances, twice denied by Kiko Casilla and once missing the target. 

Lionel Messi (8): Played more in the middle of the pitch. And from there he gave a lesson in great football, playing as the team's reference. Was involved in the first goal and scored the second. 

Luis Suarez (7): Allowed the ball to run through his legs for Neymar's first goal. Then he gave the pass for Messi's goal. His movement was great and he created a lot of space. Came off for Ivan Rakitic late on. 

SUBSTITUTES

Jeremy Mathieu (7): Came on for Rafinha in the 65th minute to cover Jordi Alba's position. Did well.

Ivan Rakitic (n/a): Only played 10 minutes.

Xavi (n/a): Came on for Iniesta for his 500th La Liga appearance in the final five minutes.