Barcelona pummelled Eibar 3-0 to maintain pressure at the top of La Liga as Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi all scored in the same game together for the first time.
Griezmann opened the scoring in the 13th minute after racing through down the left channel and finished well at the near post.
The France international then turned provider by deftly diverting the ball into Messi’s path inside the box with the captain applying a smart finish in the 58th minute.
And Messi then returned the favour for Suarez, squaring to the Uruguayan when slipped clean through by Griezmann on 66 minutes.
There were a number of impressive performances in Blaugrana and here’s how we rated Ernesto Valverde’s side.
BARCELONA 4-3-3
Marc-Andre ter Stegen 6 – Eibar’s imprecision in front of goal meant he had a quiet afternoon despite the bombardment of crosses into the Barca box. He’ll be delighted with a third straight league clean sheet.
Sergi Roberto 5 – Valverde insisted before the season Sergi would return to midfield, but he played right-back and struggled in the first half as Eibar surged through the channels. Was substituted at half-time with a suspected knee injury.
Samuel Umtiti 7 – A strong performance for the Frenchman who was making his first competitive appearance for Barca since May 12 against Getafe some five months ago. Dominant in the air and assured on the deck as well.
Clement Lenglet 7 – Barca don’t often go from back to front for their goals, but with Lenglet’s delivery perhaps though should do so more often. Beautiful pass to set a scampering Griezmann away for the first and typically solid all afternoon.
Jordi Alba 7 – The left-back had been missing since limping off against Borussia Dortmund last month but it was as if he’d never been away on his return to the XI. High energy on both sides of the ball and very neat in possession.
Frenkie de Jong 8 – He was everywhere and did everything. The Dutchman is growing into his more advanced midfield role and he absolutely dominated on Saturday. Led the way in key passes for his side alongside third-highest pass accuracy of 90 per cent from 50 attempted. Physically he was very impressive and took control of this game.
Sergio Busquets 6 – Looked the weak link in midfield once again. Slowed down Barca transitions and was inaccurate with a number of passes.
Arthur Melo 8 – Not too far behind De Jong when it comes to relevancy in this game. Super cute turns and quick passes to aid the Barca’s possession flow. Added bite defensively against the robust hosts.
Messi, Suarez and Griezmann all score in the same game together for the first time ⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0K4yMwLPn4
— Sport360° (@Sport360) October 19, 2019
Lionel Messi 8 – He’s returning to his best form. Some moments of hesitation, particularly in a one v one with the Eibar keeper in the first half, but he was typically central to Barca’s attack and took his goal well.
Luis Suarez 7 – Gratefully tapped in from Messi’s unselfish pass but was great all afternoon, linking superbly with the Argentine and Griezmann.
Antoine Griezmann 8 – One of his best displays in a Barca shirt. Looked so comfortable with Messi and Suarez closer to him and influenced all three goals, scoring one, assisting another and playing an unreal pass before the assist for Barca’s third. First goal away from Camp Nou as well.
SUBSTITUTES
Nelson Semedo (45′) 7 – He’s in good form for Barca and that continued when brought on at the break for an injured Sergi. Eibar didn’t have any joy thanks to his physical presence on the right side.
Arturo Vidal (71′) 6 – Brought on for Arthur to add steel and see the game out. Did his job.
Ivan Rakitic (79′) 5 – Replaced De Jong but his heavy touches were the sign of a man in a reduced role this season.
