Barcelona 2-0 Atletico Madrid: 5 Hits and Flops

#4 Hit: Jose Gimenez

Despite Gimenez's best efforts, Messi was able to apply the finishing touch

I could have gone for goalscorer Suarez, Jordi Alba and more besides. But instead, plaudits must go to Jose Gimenez for an impressive showing as usual - one which led to his side being cruelly punished in a two-minute counter-attacking blitz.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan partnered compatriot Diego Godin and although Godin possesses more experience, he still endured some tricky moments at the Camp Nou. Shaky in possession and overzealous upon occasion when tackling, the responsibility was quietly on Gimenez to set the tone for his teammates out of possession.

He did just that and well, his match statistics speak for themselves: six tackles, five clearances, four interceptions and two blocked shots throughout the 90 minutes - without committing a single foul.

Booked for dissent when arguing with the officials in the aftermath of Costa's sudden dismissal, he needed to remain calm and disciplined when launching into tackles. Barca probed forward regularly and his presence was always a frustrating sight to contend against.

Although he couldn't do much about Suarez's sumptuous strike, he was unfortunate when making a good initial sliding challenge to thwart Messi saw the ball ricochet back to the Argentine in the build-up to his goal a minute later. It typified his night: an excellent individual display, in a game where he didn't deserve to be on the losing side.