Barcelona 1-0 Real Valladolid: 5 Hits and Flops

#4 Hit: Anuar Mohamed

The 24-year-old midfielder was excellent, doing a great job harrying Messi & co throughout (Picture: Getty)

I never start these with statistics, but Anuar Mohamed is an exception to the rule. A whopping 12 completed tackles, two interceptions, one clearance, 81.5% pass accuracy and 76 touches. Certainly a busy evening's work for the 24-year-old, who excelled at the Nou Camp while most of his teammates faltered under the pressure.

It goes without saying that his 12 tackles was a game-high, but the fact he managed the feat with only two fouls committed is commendable. Midfield partner Michel had three tackles, five fouls and gave away the game-winning penalty too.

Tireless out of possession and equally comfortable with it at his feet, his defensive positioning was excellent as he constantly looked to pounce on mistakes and recover the ball where possible.

Pressing Messi & co ultimately paid dividends, as it helped set up a number of threatening attacking moves - most broke down before they could test goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen though.