Barcelona 5-2 Real Betis: Player ratings as superb Antoine Griezmann announces arrival

Andy West 01:23 26/08/2019
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  • Antoine Griezmann was the star of the show as Barcelona registered their first win of the season by coming from behind to thump Real Betis 5-2, scoring his team’s first two goals to delight the Camp Nou crowd.

    But who else shone and who stank? Find out with our full player ratings.

    BARCELONA (4-3-3)

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen 6: Had no chance for either Betis goal and was given very little to do otherwise.

    Nelson Semedo 7: Got better as the game progressed, producing several skilful thrusts down the right and defending well.

    Gerard Pique 6: Booked for a foul on Moron and never looked comfortable in the first half, but more authoritative in the second.

    Clement Lenglet 7: Showed good anticipation to make several interventions, and looks to have won the battle with Samuel Umtiti for a starting spot.

    Jordi Alba 7:  Always available to offer overlapping width down the left, including the fourth goal with a good low finish.

    Sergi Roberto 8: Full of running to support the attack from midfield, and delivered a great ball over the top to create the equaliser.

    Sergio Busquets 7: Lots of perceptive passing in midfield, such as his assist for Alba’s goal, but one loose ball led to the opener for Betis.

    Frenkie de Jong 7: Played on the left of the midfield trio and offered strong movement, covering plenty of ground in a well-rounded performance.

    Carles Perez 8: Busy and willing down the right and capped an excellent performance by stroking home a wonderful first competitive senior goal

    Antoine Griezmann 9: Bright from the start and twice came close before levelling just before the break, and then curled home a brilliant second from 20 yards.

    Rafinha 7: Had an early shot saved and regularly threatened, having a goal-bound shot deflected wide. Further strengthened his case for future inclusion.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Arturo Vidal 7: The first change for the home team, replacing Busquets in midfield. Scored almost immediately with a rising drive.

    Anssumane Fati N/A: Came on for his debut at the age of 16 and nearly made it a night to remember with a fierce low shot that flew just wide.

    Junior Firpo N/A: Introduced as a late sub against his old team and did a solid job at left back as Alba pushed forward.

    REAL BETIS (4-4-2)

    Dani Martin 5: Perhaps could have done more to stop Griezmann’s goal and had a night to forget on his first start in the top flight.

    Emerson 4: Had a tough task against Barça’s dynamic left hand side, and made some wayward touches coming forward.

    Marc Bartra 5: Poise and focus in the centre of defence during the first half, but unable to stem the flood as Barca turned the screw after the break.

    Sidnei 5: Made some sturdy challenges to keep the hosts at bay in the first 40 minutes but found himself totally overwhelmed by the end.

    Alfonso Pedraza 5: New signing initially acquitted himself well at left back but, like his colleagues, imploded in the second half.

    Sergi Canales 6: Did well to win the ball and spark the opener and always looked dangerous breaking forward from midfield.

    Andres Guardado 5: Protected his defence well and used the ball sensibly in the first half, but was swept aside and couldn’t compete with the home team’s pace. Replaced.

    William Carvalho 4: Outfought and outrun by Barça’s young guns in the centre of the field, often caught napping.

    Cristian Tello 4: Offered very little against his former club, and was replaced when his team went down 4-1 after an hour.

    Loren Moron 7: Delivered a perfect pass for the opener and crashed home the goal of the game with a thumping strike from 30 yards.

    Nabil Fekir 6: Great low finish to send his team ahead and showed great ability on the ball, but less involved later on.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Joaquin 5: The veteran entered the game in an impossible position as Barça ran riot and he couldn’t affect the play.

    Wilfrid Kaptoum 6: Brought into the midfield to add greater defensive presence and helped settle Betis down near the end.

    Diego Lainez 5: Young Mexican entered on the right of midfield in the latter stages, but did little to catch the eye.

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