Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano

Goal.com was on hand to cast a critical eye over events at Camp Nou, where Lionel Messi and David Villa took care of business and drove the Catalans to another Liga win

By Keeghann Sinanan

2

Comments

Barcelona

3.29

19

0

• 
  16

  1

  José Pinto Colorado

  Not much he could do for Rayo's goal, and he pulled off a strong save on a long-range Piti drive.
• 
  14

  2

  Piqué

  Hardly put a foot wrong at the back, as he repelled whatever was thrown at him by the visitors.
• 
  16

  0

  Jordi Alba

  Provided just a bit more reliability at the back than Alves, but did not let his offensive play suffer as a result, as he performed to his usual high standards when supporting the attack.
• 
  13

  0

  Adriano

  Lasted only 23 minutes before succumbing to injury, and was replaced by Dani Alves.
• 
  13

  3

  Cesc Fàbregas

  Still does not look sure of his role in the side, as his play was occasionally blighted by moments of hesitation and miscommunication. There were some encouraging passing moments as well, but he did not quite function as the excellent player that we know he can be.
• 
  15

  0

  Andrés Iniesta Luján

  Not quite the awe-inspiring level that we have come to expect from the little midfielder, but he still managed to make an impact on the match with a few killer balls forward, one of which set the second goal in motion.
• 
  15

  0

  Javier Mascherano

  Took care of business defensively, but Rayo in truth did not make it too difficult for him to go about his duties.
• 
  16

  0

  Busquets

  Was always seen getting back quickly to protect the zone in front of the back four in the moments where Rayo looked to attack. As usual, he looked completely at ease in the other half of the field as well, distributing and recycling possession efficiently.
• 
  38

  2

  David Villa

  Finished with typical aplomb for the opener before showing great poise on two occasions to hold up the ball and release Lionel Messi through for Barcelona's other two goals. A constant threat throughout the game.
• 
  15

  5

  Alexis Sánchez

  The Chilean started positively, making several threatening plays down the right, but as the match wore on, he tailed off and began to play within himself.
• 
  58

  4

  Lionel Messi Top of the Match

  His link-up play with David Villa was quite a sight to behold, as he set the striker up for the opener before benefiting from his pass to slot home the second. His second half goal was taken in typically magnificent fashion,bursting past the last defender before lobbing the keeper.

Substitutions

• 
  14

  1

  Daniel Alves

  Took no time to settle into the game after he was drafted in for the injured Adriano. Formed an encouraging understanding with Alexis Sanchez on the right flank, and was very useful in spreading play and easing congestion in the middle of the park.
• 
  13

  2

  Thiago Alcántara

  A second too slow to spot the run of Raul Tamudo, who ghosted in ahead of him to score Rayo’s first.

Rayo Vallecano

2.65

3

2

• 
  1

  0

  Rubén Martínez Andrade

  Did fantastically well to tip a stinging drive from Lionel Messi away from danger, and can accept little blame for the goals.
• 
  0

  0

  Tito

  There were often large gaps appearing on the left flank when Barca looked to counter, a zone that was primarily his responsibility.
• 
  0

  1

  Alejandro Gálvez

  Taken out of the equation completely by David Villa's through pass in the build-up to Barcelona's second goal of the game.
• 
  0

  1

  Arbilla Flop of the Match

  Completely bypassed by the pace and strength of Lionel Messi for the home side's third goal. He simply could not keep up with the Argentine.
• 
  1

  0

  Jordi Figueras

  Had absolutely no answer for the likes of David Villa and Jordi Alba when Barcelona looked to attack on the break as he was guilty of conceding far too much space in behind.
• 
  0

  0

  Adrián González

  Simply overrun, as many a visiting midfielder has been when faced with the impossible task of containing Barca's tiki-taka football.
• 
  0

  0

  José Carlos

  There were some encouraging signs from him thanks to his ability to cut inside and open up space for his overlapping full-back. But he simply could not maintain consistency across the entirety of the game.
• 
  0

  0

  Piti

  Set up Raul Tamudo for Rayo's lone goal with a cross into the six yard area, and almost repeated the feat moments later, but Tamudo failed to convert again. Came close with a long-range effort that Jose Pinto was forced to tip away.
• 
  0

  0

  Trashorras

  The midfielder had a decent game against his former club, as he was very adept at maintaining hold of the ball and spraying it around in the opposition half.
• 
  0

  0

  Alejandro Domínguez

  Passed the ball around effectively during the intermittent spells of Rayo possession, but like the rest of his attacking team-mates, he could not maintain it for the full 90 minutes.
• 
  0

  0

  Andrija Delibasic

  Looked set to have a solid game as he held the ball up well in the opening exchanges, but as his service dried up, his influence waned.

Substitutions

• 
  0

  0

  Raúl Tamudo

  Scored a poacher's goal to get his team off the mark, and nearly made things interesting when he narrowly missed from an identical chance.
• 
  1

  0

  Lass

  Decent in his spell on the field, but nothing spectacular.  ----------- goal.com