Player ratings as Luis Suarez, Aleix Vidal and Jordi Alba standout for Barcelona in win over Girona

Andy West 01:19 24/09/2017
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  • Barcelona maintained their perfect start to La Liga with a sixth straight win as Luis Suarez and two own goals secured a 3-0 win at Girona on Saturday.

    Here, we rate the players from both sides.

    GIRONA

    Iraizoz 6 – Made some good saves but ruined all his otherwise solid work with a bad mistake for Barca’s second goal, turning Vidal’s cross into his own goal.

    Ramalho 5 – Some poor heavy touches and generally below the pace of the game.

    Espinosa 6 – Tried to impose authority in the centre of defence and showed his long-range passing skills.

    Juanpe 6 – Had his hands full with Suarez but, with one exception, did enough to keep the Uruguayan at bay.

    Portu 6 – Showed his pace down the right wing and although he rarely got the better of Alba, Girona’s best two chances came from his crosses.

    Maffeo 7 – Essentially had one job: following Messi wherever he went. Stuck to his task diligently and succeeded in limiting the Argentine’s influence.

    Pons 6 – Made some nice passes and breaks in an attempt to break between Barca’s midfield and defence.

    Garcia 6 – Served as the playmaker for Girona from his position in midfield but was too deep to pose any threat.

    Aday 5 – Plenty of attacking purpose down the left but had a tough game defensively, scoring a clumsy own goal.

    Luiz 6 – Girona’s most technically accomplished performer in his attacking midfield role, and forced a decent early save from ter Stegen, but faded.

    Olunga 5 – Powerful in the air, often getting the better of Umtiti in that respect, but lacked finesse around the box and was replaced.

    Girona's defender Juanpe Ramirez (C)

    Girona’s defender Juanpe Ramirez (C)

    SUBS

    Kayode 5 – Came on for Olunga in attack but failed to impress.

    Mojica 6 – Decent from the bench in place of Aday – maybe should have started.

    Moreno – Too little time to make an impact.

    Girona's Bernardo Espinosa (R)

    Girona’s Bernardo Espinosa (R)

    BARCELONA

    Ter Stegen 6 – Made one good early stop from Luis but was otherwise largely uninvolved.

    Roberto 7 – Mr Versatility returned to his right-back slot and delivered a typically enthusiastic performance, including a great assist for Suarez.

    Mascherano 6 – A rare start for the veteran Argentine, who defended well but was occasionally poor in his distribution.

    Umtiti 6 – Looked a little shaken by the aerial power of Olunga at the start but gradually recovered his poise.

    Alba 8 – Won his personal battle with Portu and was always an attacking threat, including the shot which led to the own goal opener.

    Paulinho 5 – Some powerful forward runs but minimal influence in the construction of play and the first man to be substituted.

    Rakitic 7 – Performed in the deep role usually occupied by Sergio Busquets and carried out the task well, looking very comfortable.

    Iniesta 6 – Some touches of class in a congested midfield, but couldn’t offer penetration in and around the penalty area.

    Vidal 7 – Back in favour on the right of attack and did well, regularly stretching Girona’s defence with his direct running and conjuring a cheeky back heel for the second goal.

    Messi 6 – Unusually quiet due to the limpet-like attentions of Maffeo, restricted to easily his most subdued game of the season.

    Suarez 7 – Back in the goals after a poor run of form and was a sharp, determined threat throughout the game.

    Barcelona's players celebrate

    Barcelona’s players celebrate

    SUBS

    Busquets 6 – Came on from the bench and was his usual authoritative self.

    Denis 6 – Some nice touches in a cameo appearance from the bench.

    Gomes 5 – Little impact after coming on for Vidal near the end.

    Luis Suarez

    Luis Suarez

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