Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez produced a finishing masterclass as Barcelona launched a second-half blitz at Real Betis to extend their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to 11 points.
Ivan Rakitic started the ball rolling as the hour-mark approached while Messi and Suarez joined him on the scoresheet within the next 10 minutes.
The Argentina international saved his best for the last 10 minutes, adding a superb individual effort and then setting up Suarez for his second in similar fashion to help Barca claim a sixth successive league win courtesy of a 5-0 romp.
Here are the ratings:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Had little to do but did it with assurance, and used the ball with his feet more than usual. 6
Nelson Semedo: Occasionally conceded too much space down his flank by getting out of position, and still doesn’t look quite the answer at right-back. Plenty of attacking intent but the other side of his game looks lacking. 6
Gerard Pique: Imperious in defence, mopping up everything Betis threw at him around the edge of the box, and outstanding in possession, always choosing the right pass to keep his team moving. 8
Thomas Vermaelen: Performed solidly enough until his injury jinx struck again, pulling up with a hamstring strain towards the end of the first-half. 6
Jordi Alba: Bundle of energy down the left wing but less of an attacking threat than usual in recent weeks. Still perfectly solid though. 7
Sergi Roberto: Excellent. Started on the right of midfield but soon moved more centrally and had Barca’s first chance by striding forward to shoot over. Continued to take the game to Betis, showing greater confidence in his playmaking skills, and is maturing into an outstanding performer. 8
Sergio Busquets: Kept quiet by the attentions of Joaquin for the first 50 minutes, but he gradually became a stronger presence and did brilliantly to win the ball and release Messi for the decisive second goal which effectively broke the game. 7
Ivan Rakitic: Fine all-round performance. Did a good job defensively, regularly breaking up dangerous Betis attacks early on, and later on showed attacking threat by sending a long-range shot too close to Adan before later storming forward to net the opener. Also delivered an excellent cross for Suarez’s goal. 8
Andre Gomes: A regular outlet in midfield, showing his class with some smooth touches. Didn’t always use the ball well but seems to be finally finding his form and growing in confidence. Replaced by Paulinho after the second goal. 6
Lionel Messi: Well shackled early on but grew into the game and showed his increasing influence by shooting into the side-netting after 30 minutes. Settled the outcome with a crunching finish before adding a brilliant second, and then rounded off a stunning second-half with a glorious assist for Suarez. At times it looks like he’s playing an entirely different sport to everyone else. 8
Luis Suarez: Brilliant demonstration of centre forward play. Turned assister for Barca’s first two chances with nice passes to Roberto and Messi. Continued that role by delivering an excellent through ball for Rakitic’s opener, before netting himself with a fine volley and completing the scoring with a crunching finish. 9
Messi netted a brace at the Benito Villamarin stadium.
SUBSTITUTES:
Samuel Umtiti: Came on for Vermaelen just before the break, returning to action after six weeks out, and looked like he’d never been away. Solid and serious. 7
Paulinho: Came on at the perfect time after Barca went two-up, and he had an easy task in overpowering a desperately tiring home team midfield. 7
Gerard Deulofeu: Appeared for the final ten minutes and had little impact. Maybe his last game for the club? 6
