Barcelona ratings as two players earn nines in Champions League win over Chelsea

Andy West 01:51 15/03/2018
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  • Lionel Messi celebrates his opener

    Lionel Messi scored his 100th Champions League goal as Barcelona defeated Chelsea 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, 4-1 on aggregate.

    Messi, back in the side after attending the birth of his third child in Argentina at the weekend, reached the landmark with his second goal of the night after 62 minutes at Camp Nou.

    He had already put Barcelona ahead after just three minutes, beating Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at his near post with Ousmane Dembele adding the second on 20 minutes after being set up by Messi.

    Here we rate the Barca stars from the victory at the Camp Nou.

    BARCELONA 4-4-2

    Ter Stegen 7 – Had a couple of fairly routine saves and dealt well with some dangerous crosses to keep yet another clean sheet.

    Roberto 5 – Difficult night for the versatile performer, who struggled against Alonso and Hazard and had little attacking impact.

    Pique 6 – Solid in the air and made a great block from Alonso, but struggled for pace against Willian and Hazard.

    Umtiti 9 – Encapsulated his defensive power with a no-nonsense early block from Hazard. Made several further similar interventions in a towering performance.

    Alba 6 – Non-stop running from the left-back but Chelsea’s five-man defence prevented his usual contribution going forward.

    Dembele 7 – Took his chance with a thrashing finish for his first Barca goal. Also worked hard defensively before being replaced.

    Rakitic 7 – Unfussy, metronomic passing in the centre of midfield, playing in a deeper role than usual with cool composure.

    Busquets 6 – Constantly on the ball in the centre of midfield, but was sometimes overrun by Kante and was replaced with injury.

    Iniesta 5 – Back from injury and produced a brilliant back heel to release Suarez, but did little else and was subbed.

    Messi 9 – Continued his sublime season by scoring twice and gloriously teeing up Dembele for the second. The absolute master.

    Suarez 6 – Worked hard and came close twice with low shows which Courtois repelled. Neat passes to Messi for both goals.

    SUBS

    Paulinho 6 – On for Iniesta after 55 minutes and steadied things in the centre of midfield. Nearly scored from a corner.

    Gomes 6 – Came on to a huge cheer after admitting his deep frustrations in an interview. Made some nice touches.

    Vidal 6 – Replaced Dembele in a defensive switch and added bite to the right wing as Barca eased home.

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