Barcelona 5-0 Celta Vigo (6-1 Aggregate): Player Ratings

FC Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo for the second leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 tie. The first leg was an evenly contested match, but the same cannot be said about this match. FC Barcelona came out with all guns blazing as they rushed to a 4-0 lead by the half-hour mark of the match.

A brace by Lionel Messi(both assisted by Jordi Alba) and a goal apiece by Alba and Luis Suarez saw Barcelona complete the first half rout with a 4-0 scoreline.

However, in the second half, they did take the foot off the gas but never really allowed Celta to have any joy. Rakitic, then went on to score with a fine header in the dying minutes of the match to seal the game with a 5-0 scoreline.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams:

Celta Vigo

Sergio Alvarez: 8/10

While Alvarez did make a few great saves and blocks throughout the match, this was definitely not his best performance. He should have probably saved the first Messi goal.

Daniel Wass: 5.5/10

He was the best Celta attacker on the night. However, with Aspas and Sisto both off-colour, he alone could not muster much but he did beat his man a few times and was looking dangerous in patches on Celta’s right.

Sergi Gomez: 4/10

Sergi Gomez had a shocker of the game. Though many might argue that he was not provided adequate cover by his midfield, Gomez could still have done a better job at keeping Barcelona away.

Andreu Fontas: 4.5/10

Like his centre-back partner, the 28-year old had a miserable performance at the heart of La Real’s defence. He was left for dead by Suarez throughout the match and never really could mark him. He did make a few important interceptions and tackles though.

Jonathan Castro: 5.5/10

Defending the left flank for Celta, Jonny put in a fairly decent performance. He was troubled a bit whenever Semedo overlapped and in general got the better of him. Attacking, he was left a bit handicapped as Sisto was completely out of sorts..

Hugo Mallo: 3.5/10

Hugo Mallo was quite overwhelmed by the forays coming down his side with both Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta having a field day on that side of the pitch. Attacking wise, he was not quite up there alongside his usual standards.

Stanislav Lobotka: 5/10

The central defensive midfielder was fairly anonymous and was effectively marked out of the game by Barcelona's midfielders. He will look forward to improving his performance after a tough outing.

Jozabed Sanchez: 5.5/10

Sanchez put in a decent display in the midfield as he screened his defence to some extent and also distributed the ball intelligently. However, he struggled against Messi and lost him several times.

Pione Sisto: 3/10

Pione Sisto simply put, was poor on the night. He lost possession frequently and was at fault for Barcelona’s second goal, when he lost the ball in his own penalty area. He was rightfully taken off at halftime.

Iago Aspas: 4/10

Aspas worked hard tirelessly but could not get better of Mascherano or Pique. His decision making was quite erratic and he never could get in any decent attacking positions.

Emre Mor: 5.5/10

The forward made one or two excellent runs across the box but without any end product. He certainly was one of the better attackers for Celta and certainly could have used some help from his teammates..

Substitutes:

Brais Mendez: 6/10

Was brought on for Pione Sisto in the second half, but his performance was decent. A lot of his time was spent inside his own half trying to check Jordi Alba's runs and thus could never really get forward with intent.

Maxi Gomez: 5/10

He was brought on in the second half to play as a striker. He was not up to the pace of the game and was all over the place while taking on players. He had a great one on one chance late in the game which was snuffed out by Vermaelen and Semedo.

Nemanja Radoja: N/A

Came on for Daniel Wass, but he did not quite prove to be an upgrade over him. However, he was disciplined and did help out defensively to keep the score in check.

FC Barcelona

Barcelona and Lionel Messi continued their merry ways

Jasper Cillesen: 6.5/10

The Dutch international started this crucial match in place of the regular starter ter Stegen. He was solid at the back, though he wasn't tested much. Great outing overall with efficient distribution from the back.

Nelson Semedo: 7.5/10

Back in his right-back role after Roberto was rested, he produced an amazing performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in the attack along with recycling the ball well. In defence, he was solid and never allowed the wide players to cut in or put in a cross.

Javier Mascherano: 7/10

The Argentine international put in a good performance at the heart of the defence in what could be his last match in a Blaugrana shirt. He did not shy away from challenges and played the ball out well.

Gerard Pique: 7/10

Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won tackles, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence. He was taken off at halftime.

Jordi Alba: 9/10

The Spanish fullback was immense last night. He took on players in attack, got a goal and two superb assists for himself and never allowed any Celta player to have any sort of joy on his side. Great outing for him. His understanding with Messi is superb and was on full show yesterday.

Sergio Busquets: 7.5/10

The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park.

Ivan Rakitic: 8/10

His passing was awesome, his tackling was great and he made a few penetrating runs which always caused problems for Celta Vigo. He, alongside Busquets, absolutely bossed the midfield for FC Barcelona. He scored Barcelona's fifth with a fine header into the top corner.

Andres Iniesta: 7/10

The Spaniard ran the show for the Blaugrana, spraying passes from deep and occasionally bombing forward as well. He set up a great chance for Lionel Messi in the first half. He was taken off at the hour mark for Arnaiz.

Andre Gomes: 7/10

The Portuguese looked sharp and dictated things for Barcelona from the midfield. His turns and touches were delightful to watch and suggest that he may have some top-level football in his tank if he stays at FC Barcelona.

Lionel Messi: 9.5/10

The diminutive Argentine scored another brace tonight, a common sight this season. He scored Barcelona's first and second on the night and never put a foot wrong throughout the time he was on the pitch.

He is absolutely deadly in that false nine role, as he dictated Barcelona's attacks from deep. His pass for Alba's goal was out of the world, something no other player in this planet is capable of currently.

Luis Suarez: 7.5/10

Luis Suarez did everything right today, a rare sight considering his form (which has been improving) and performances this season. He pressed defenders, he ran the channels, hold up play, crossing, everything. He scored Barca's fourth with a fine first-time finish.

Substitutes:

Ousmane Dembele: 7/10

Was involved in the game for the last half an hour or so, he looked quite dangerous and did show quite a few nifty turns and touches. Notably, he assisted Rakitic's goal.

Jose Arnaiz: 6.5/10

Brought on for Iniesta, Arnaiz could not add to his three-goal tally in Copa del Rey although his movement was sharp and ball control smooth. Should definitely get more first-team action in the absence of Paco Alcacer.

Thomas Vermaelen: 7/10

He was brought on for Pique at halftime and continued his good work at the heart of Blaugrana defence. His tackle on Maxi Gomez in the second half shows his immensely growing confidence after starting a few games on the run.

Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh