Hosts Villarreal fought back from 0-2 down to make a comeback and play out a thrilling 2-2 draw against league leaders Barcelona at the El Madrigal on Sunday. Barcelona were troubled in the first minute when Villarreal’s Trigueros hit the post with his header, but there could not be a goal.
The visitors started the game brightly and were rewarded when Rakitic was unmarked to shoot into the net to give his side the lead. At the stroke of half-time, Neymar was awarded a dubious penalty, which was converted by him to make it 2-0 to Barca.
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But the hosts struck back with two second-half goals to level the scores at 2-2. Cedric Bakambu opened the scoring for Villarreal and Jeremy Mathieu's own goal put the score at level.
Here are how the players from both sides fared:
Villarreal
Sergio Asenjo – 8
The Villarreal shot-stopper was the best player for his side as he stopped many shots at his goal from close and long range. He was seen saving shots from the likes of Messi and Neymar.
The goalkeeper cannot be blamed for both the goals as he did his part on both occasions. He was not at fault for the penalty decision, but the referee awarded the penalty to Barca on the pretext of Asenjo fouling Neymar. But replays suggested the former got the ball first.
Mario Gaspar – 6
He was troubled by Neymar and Jordi Alba in the first half, but he pulled up his socks in the second half and played a decent game. His tracking back and defending was questionable during the first half. But as the game progressed, the right-back settled down and got forward also for his side to create some crosses.
Victor Ruiz – 7
The defender had a great game at the center of defense for Villarreal. He was a key figure in defence and helped clear the ball whenever required. He was very cool and composed throughout the game, especially in the second half, where he helped his side keep out the danger of “MSN”.
Eric Bailly – 6
The Ivorian formed a good partnership in dentral defence with Ruiz. He was crucial in not allowing Barca any room in the second half. He made a crunching tackle on Sergi Roberto to deny him a clear opportunity at goal.
Antonio Rukavina – 6
He did well on his left flank defensively as he did not let Messi have any space to run behind him. He forced the world player of the year to come inside, and that helped Villarreal in getting the ball off of Messi’s feet. He did try to get forward, but to no avail.
Samu Castillejo – 5
He was fairly okay in his performance in the first half. He failed to produce any real chances for his forwards early on. But as the game progressed, he did well to bring his game to the pitch and carve out a few chances.
Bruno Soriano – 6
The Spanish midfielder was good when defending his lines and protected the back four well. But he failed to close down Ivan Rakitic when the Croatian managed to open the scoring.
Denis Suarez – 7
The young Spaniard was the heart of every attacking play the hosts put in. He was very good on the ball and caused trouble to the Catalans with his dribbling ability and pace. He showed why Barcelona want him in their squad. He also tracked back to defend whenever his side was in trouble. But was surprisingly taken off in the 74th minute.
Manu Trigueros – 7
Along with Denis Suarwz, he was the other important figure in midfield for the hosts. Both the players controlled the midfield in the second half. Trigueros was important in the final third as he made so many crucial passes and opportunities for his teammates. He could have scored in the first minute as he headed onto the inside of the post.
Roberto Soldado – 6
He was a great teammate to have on the day as he made up so many passes for his teammates throughout the game. His hold-up play was crucial to Villarreal’s chances of scoring in the game, he provided the hard-work that was required to get a result from this game.
Cedric Bakambu – 7
He was the best player on the pitch for the hosts as his efforts led to both the goals. His cool finish saw his side crawl back to 1-2 at the hour mark. Moments later, he found himself putting pressure on Mathieu which led to the own goal. He showed great energy and determination.
Substitutes
Adrian Lopez – 7
The Spanish forward was in good form as he replaced Bakambu in the 71st minute. He was lively and made some runs forward, linking up well with his teammates.
Tomas Pina – 6
The defensive midfielder replaced Denis Suarez in the 74th minute and he was not as impressive as the latter but played the right passes and defended well.
Leo Baptistao – NA
The forward played a very small part in the game as he came on late as a substitute for Soldado. He was just involved on a couple of occasions for the hosts.
Barcelona
Claudio Bravo – 6
The Barcelona shot-stopper could not do much in saving the two goals from Villarreal, one of which came of his own teammate in Jeremy Mathieu. He did well not to have conceded more goals in the game. He was good with his handling and reflexes, but he could not stop the hosts from earning corners.
Sergi Roberto – 6
The young Spaniard, who has won a call-up to the national side, was in the side as a right-back in the first hour. But as Dani Alves came on, he was shifted to the midfield. He was anonymous at times for the Catalans as he operated in midfield in the second half. He went forward at other times but could not produce anything worth a mention.
Gerard Pique – 5
Pique was not very impressive on the day. He did make some tackles and interceptions during his time on the pitch. He was lucky not to be sent of for a second yellow when he clearly handled the ball in the second half. But he was swiftly replaced by Jeremy Mathieu for not having the best of games. He was not replaced due to injury, it could have been tactical, but the change did not work as Barca conceded soon after Pique went.
Javier Mascherano – 6
The Argentine had a commanding game at the back as always and made some crunching tackles with precise timing and was often the last man to stop the likes of Soldado and Bakambu. He read the game well and helped Barca in not conceding more than two.
Jordi Alba – 5
The Spanish international did not have the best of games. He was average on the day, and a better team with slightly better players would have exploited his side of the flank. He did go forward, but produced nothing at all other than passes to Neymar and Suarez.
Sergio Busquets – 6
The Spanish international was very good in breaking up the play whenever the hosts went forward. He also did well in helping his side to defend when they were under pressure. The Barcelona man passed the ball quickly to his forward players whenever he could. Overall, a typical performance from Busquets.
Ivan Rakitic – 8
The Croatian midfielder was playing in the heart of midfield as always and had a good game. He dictated the tempo of the game as Barca had possession. He responded well when he was in possession. Rakitic scored the first goal for his side and was unlucky not to add a second to his name.
Arda Turan – 5
The Turkish international had replaced the midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta, but he was not anywhere near like him. He could not stamp his authority in midfield for the visitors and he was replaced by Luis Enrique before the hour mark.
Lionel Messi – 5
The Argentine was not quite his best on the day. He was not assured in possession in the second half of the game and did not look like his usual self. But he still managed to play a part in both the goals for his side.
Neymar – 6
The Brazilian was very bright as the game started and was rewarded with a goal at the stroke of half-time as he won a penalty and then scored the same to give Barca a 2-goal advantage. He became a bit jaded as the game progressed but created chances and came back to defend when required.
Luis Suarez – 5
The Uruguayan striker was missing for most part of the game. Like Messi, he was also present in the game in phases. His effort to fight for the ball from the corner led the ball to Rakitic. He was not consistent and failed to convert the few chances he got.
Substitutes
Dani Alves – 6
The right-back came on for Arda Turan in the 57th minute and played his role without a flaw. He defended well, and provided some crosses late in the game.
Jeremy Mathieu – 4
The former Valencia man was brought on late to replace Gerard Pique in the 55th minute and he was miserable. He scored the own goal to help Villarreal level the scores at 2-2. He gave away the ball too often, and could not clear the ball in time.
