Antoine Griezmann and Sergi Roberto scored while Lionel Messi starred as Barcelona ran out 2-1 winners against Getafe on Saturday.
Barcelona were handed an early setback with Allan Nyom putting Getafe in front, but the goal was chalked off by VAR for a foul in the buildup. Soon after, the Catalans took the lead as Antoine Griezmann found the back of the net after Lionel Messi played him in with a fine pass.
Minutes later, Barcelona were two goals ahead as Sergi Roberto applied the finishing touches to a fine team move. Getafe pulled one back in the second half through Angel Rodriguez, but Quique Setien’s men managed to hold on to their narrow lead and go level on points with La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 2-1 win.
Here’s how The Hard Tackle rated the performances of the Barcelona superstars at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7/10
The German shot-stopper had little to do in terms of saves in the first period, but stepped up when needed after the break, with a brilliant stop to keep out Angel Rodriguez at 2-1 particularly standing out. Followed that up with another crucial moment, scooping the ball away from Jaime Mata who was primed to tap the ball home. Reliable as ever with his passing.
Sergi Roberto: 6.5/10
Starting at right-back ahead of Nelson Semedo, Roberto did not offer the same outlet as the Portuguese does. But, the Spaniard popped up to score the important second goal for Barcelona. Did little of note apart from the goal though, and should make way for Semedo for the next game.
Gerard Pique: 6/10
Back into the starting XI after serving his suspension, the seasoned defender had a mixed bag of an outing. Pique was solid in phases, but seemed to have relaxed a touch after the break, which led to a few chances for the visitors, while he could have conceded a penalty as well. Did redeem himself somewhat with a few key interventions late on.
Samuel Umtiti: 6/10
Was fouled in the lead-up to Getafe’s chalked-off goal. The Frenchman, like Pique, was solid in parts, but had his nervy moments on the day. Perhaps a touch better than his partner when it came to using possession, which he did well, striding out confidently and making smart passes. Unlikely to keep his place in the side after Clement Lenglet returns from suspension, though.
Jordi Alba: N/A
Came off within twenty minutes with an injury. Could be a huge miss with important games coming up against Napoli (Champions League) and Real Madrid (La Liga).
Arthur Melo: 6/10
Preferred over the likes of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, the Brazilian started off well, helping Barcelona control proceedings in the middle of the park. However, he faded with time and was taken off for Rakitic. Needs to do more if he is to become a regular starter for Barcelona.
Sergio Busquets: 6.5/10
Started off strongly and enjoyed a solid first half, during which he kept Barcelona ticking with intelligent passes from the centre of the park. Created a great chance for Lionel Messi early on with a fine over-the-top pass. Looked a little less assured after the break, though, and a few lapses here and there led to Getafe enjoying some bright moments.
Frenkie de Jong: 6.5/10
After a standout display in the win against Real Betis last time out, the Dutchman failed to build upon it. Still does not look altogether comfortable pushing forward from the middle, but did what was asked of him diligently. Helped out at the back against Getafe’s threat from counter-attacks.
Lionel Messi: 8/10
The Barcelona captain may not have found the back of the net once again, making it four games without a goal, but was easily the Catalans’ best player on the field. Failed to make the most of an early chance created by Busquets, but Messi stamped his authority on the game setting up Griezmann for the opener with a sensational pass.
Was denied a headed goal on the cusp of half-time by a fine stop from David Soria. But, Messi ran circles around the Getafe defenders almost every time he was on the ball, putting the visitors under relentless pressure.
Antoine Griezmann: 7/10
Pounced on a delightful pass from his captain to open the scoring on the day and then went on to create a chance for Messi, which was saved. Continued to work hard upfront despite not making much of an impact after the opening goal. Had a great chance to kill the game off in the second period but fired his effort well over. Still, a positive performance from Griezmann.
Ansu Fati: 7/10
Back into the starting XI after missing out against Real Betis, the teenage sensation was in his elements on Saturday. Was a lively presence throughout, causing problems with his pace and directness, although the end product was lacking at times.
Substitutes
Junior Firpo: 7/10
Replaced the injured Alba in the first half. Got the assist for the second goal with a well-hit cross and could have had a second assist on the day if not for Griezmann blazing over the bar in the second half. Is likely to get an extended run in the side due to Alba’s injury and should look to build on this performance.
Ivan Rakitic: 5/10
Came on for Arthur in the final fifteen minutes. Did little to impact the proceedings.
Arturo Vidal: N/A
Replaced Ansu Fati with five minutes left on the clock.
