Player ratings as surprise name is man of the match in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Sevilla

BARCELONA 4-3-3

Ter Stegen 9. Made a pair of outrageous double saves to deny Silva and Vazquez, and later Sarabia and Ben Yedder. No chance with the goals.

Semedo 7. Sparked the move for the opener and continued to offer a purposeful display, although often defensively vulnerable.

Pique 8. Back to his best after a poor run of form. Strong in the air and good anticipation to make several timely interventions.

Lenglet 7. Unlucky to deflect Sarabia’s fierce strike into the net but otherwise a good display, showing good timing in the tackle.

Alba 6. Less attacking than usual as he was forced to confront the threat of Navas. Fortunate to avoid a penalty for handball.

Rakitic 8. Did everything well in a composed performance against his former club, completing the scoring with a beautifully driven volley.

Busquets 7. Apparently he’s no better than Eric Dier. You might want to ask Sevilla’s players about that after being sent in circles.

Arthur 8. Continues to look a real gem, showing brilliant game awareness and passing range to maintain possession under pressure.

Messi 8. Great pass to Coutinho for the opener and even better finish for the second, but then went off injured amid great concern.

Suarez 7. Released Messi for the opener and worked with ferocious intensity to lead the line. Won and converted a penalty.

Coutinho 7. Brilliant finish to send his team ahead and remained a bright spark, although sometimes a little too hasty on the ball.

SUBSTITUTES 

Dembele 6. Replaced Messi on the right wing. Typically dangerous but erratic, mixing dynamic threat with careless wastefulness.

Roberto 6. Returned from injury by replacing Arthur midway through the second half. Energetic and solid in possession.

Munir 6. Came on for Suarez for the last ten minutes and had one chance but saw it solidly blocked.

SEVILLA 3-5-2

Vaclik 5. Perhaps could have anticipated Messi’s shot more quickly and made a rash challenge on Suarez for a clear penalty.

Carrico 5. A weak link in Sevilla’s defence, struggling with the speed of Barca’s passing. Glanced a header from a corner just over the top.

Kjaer 6. Did well in the centre of Sevilla’s back three before suffering an injury which left the Sevilla defence less organised.

Gomez 6. Former Barca man was embarrassed by Messi for the second goal but later made some key tackles and never gave up.

Navas 7. Had a battle of speedsters with Alba and held his own, sending several dangerous balls into the penalty area.

Sarabia 7. Stabbed a low shot into the sidenetting and pulled one back with a deflected strike. Always looked bright and sharp.

Banega 7. Orchestrated play in the centre of the field with some wonderful passing. Remains Sevilla’s key man in possession.

Vazquez 6. Some smooth touches in midfield but suspect defensively, and his most significant impact was the collision which injured Messi.

Arana 6. Hit the post after five minutes and worked hard down the left flank, but struggled defensively against Dembele and Semedo.

Ben Yedder 6. Busy but imprecise in his final touch, although he came close with a late strike brilliantly saved by ter Stegen.

Silva 6. Linked play well but lacked a penalty box presence, except when his fine header drew a spectacular save from ter Stegen.

SUBSTITUTES 

Mercado 5. Came into the back three after Kjaer’s injury but did little to stiffen Sevilla’s resistance, struggling to shackle Coutinho.

Mesa 5. Introduced into the midfield towards the end but was off the pace, unable to offer the necessary support to Banega.

Muriel 7. Came into the attack for the final ten minutes and showed his capabilities with a very well taken strike for the last goal.