Barcelona ensured their unbeaten run in the league stayed intact after they came from behind to share spoils with a resilient Valencia in a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.
Valencia custodian Neto came clutch to deny the Catalans on many occasions and ensured that the visitors took something away from the game.
Goals from Kevin Gameiro and Dani Parejo gave Valencia a two-goal lead by the end of the 32nd minute. A Lionel Messi penalty halved the advantage before half-time.
The Argentine pulled one out of his magical hat and drew level for Barcelona just after the hour mark.
We take a look at how the Barcelona players performed.
MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN 5/10: Stretched into a couple of good saves and was good with his feet as usual. Doesn’t deserve the blame, but he could have prevented the first goal.
NELSON SEMEDO 6/10: Made another strong case to why he needs to be an undisputed starter at the right-back position. Could have performed better in defence, but he was productive in attack and even won the penalty.
GERARD PIQUE 6/10: Solid game by the defender on his birthday. Played Gameiro on by the slightest of margins. Stood tall in the midst of crosses and made key interceptions.
THOMAS VERMAELAN 6/10: Contrasting performances in both halves. Sub-par in the first half, with the left-side looking vulnerable on the counter. A different performance in the second half, with the Belgian venturing high and winning the ball often.
SERGI ROBERTO 5/10: Jordi Alba was clearly missed on the left and the swiss army knife was not at his best. Also gave away the penalty. Ernesto Valverde’s gamble didn’t pay off here.
IVAN RAKITIC 7/10: Caught napping during the counter that led to Valencia’s first. Apart from that, he had a great game. Also delivered a brilliant ball to Messi, for him to volley high. Good performance in the pivot role.
ARTURO VIDAL 6/10: Nothing spectacular from the Chilean, nothing bad either. Provided much-needed physicality in midfield and did his job well.
Lionel Messi's last 16 games in LaLiga:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 2, 2019
⚽️
🅰️
🅰️
⚽️
⚽️🅰️
⚽️⚽️
🅰️
🅰️
⚽️⚽️🅰️
⚽️⚽️⚽️🅰️🅰️
⚽️
⚽️
⚽️
⚽️
⚽️
⚽️⚽️
The last time he played and wasn't involved in a goal was September. 🤪 pic.twitter.com/y4PznjcSRC
CARLES ALENA 7/10: Great performance by the youngster. Looked composed and comfortable on the ball, linked up well with Messi and played numerous vertical passes.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO 6/10: The Brazilian was more comfortable on the ball than the last few weeks. Tested Neto with a sharp effort from distance, did well in whatever less space was allowed to him.
LUIS SUAREZ 5/10: Not one of his best performance or anywhere close. Slowed down counters a couple of times and lacked lucidity in his passes.
LIONEL MESSI 8/10: Scored the penalty and had his moments of magic, but the forward missed a couple of easy chances too. Eventually, he scored the equaliser and made the difference.
SUBSTITUTES
JORDI ALBA 7/10: Made an immediate impact after he came on at half-time. Linked up well with the forwards as usual and provided a lot of options in attack.
ARTHUR 7/10: Added balance after he came on. Played his role as a midfield controller well, made a case as to why he is turning into one of the most important players in the team.
MALCOM N/A: Came on late in the fixture.
