Barcelona’s Messi, Suarez and Neymar destroy Leganes
Despite playing with an untried formation, Barcelona made light work of Leganes on Saturday, winning 5-1 to bounce back from their surprise defeat against Alaves last time out in La Liga.
For the second time in a week, each member of the ‘MSN’ trident got on the score sheet and at times it looked all too easy, with three of the goals coming from tap-ins.
Positives
Barca adapted to their unusual rolling formation seamlessly, showing tactical flexibility. While Atletico Madrid struggled to create openings in their goalless draw here, Luis Enrique`s side mercilessly exploited the space Leganes allowed them and hardly conceded chances either, the home side`s only goal coming from an unstoppable free kick from Gabriel Appelt.
Negatives
There can be little criticism following a result this big and a performance this dominant, although Neymar was careless to give away the free kick which led to Gabriel`s curled strike. Fortunately, it had little consequence on the result.
Manager rating out of 10
9 - Not a coach often associated with tactical innovation, Luis Enrique planned for the game superbly, employing a 3-4-3 shape in possession and a 4-4-2 when defending, with Javier Mascherano floating between midfield and right-back.
The coach adopted the measure in anticipation of Leganes pressuring Barca’s defence and it worked a treat. He also made measured rotations, allowing Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets valuable rest time, and he also rested Luis Suarez when the game was over, allowing Paco Alcacer a run out.
Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 - Did not have a whole lot to do but got his body in the way of Darwin Machis’ shot in the first half and saved well from Mamadou Kone too. Could do little about Gabriel’s free kick, which span into the top corner just beyond his reach.
DF Javier Mascherano, 6 - Tasked with operating at right-back and in holding midfield, the Argentine oversaw a controlled defensive display, although looked slow on the rare occasion Barca were on the back foot.
DF Gerard Pique, 6 - Made a couple of rash challenges and was fortunate to escape without a booking.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 7 - Bravely blocked Machis’ shot on the line to prevent Leganes cutting Barca`s advantage in half and again displayed his excellent ball-carrying abilities.
DF Jordi Alba, 7 - Another strong display from the defender, who has responded brilliantly to the added competition Lucas Digne’s signing provided. The Frenchman has little hope of getting many games when Alba plays this well.
MF Rafinha, 7 - Made a good impression in his first start of the season and scored the pick of the afternoon’s goals, curling home from the edge of the area.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 - Proved an excellent link with the front three, pressing Leganes’ midfield and promptly providing service to the men in front of him.
MF Andres Iniesta, 7 - Consistently provided useful passes, giving the team direction and stability in midfield.
No. 10 Lionel Messi, 9 - Bossed the game, holding up play superbly and combining generously with his two partners in crime. His anticipation created the second goal which he laid on for Suarez, and his exquisite through ball to Suarez created the third, tapped in by Neymar.
FW Luis Suarez, 8 - This was a game where Suarez displayed his most generous side, pulling Leganes apart with his cutting runs across the three points of attack and providing two assists in addition to his tap in.
FW Neymar, 8 - Ravaged Leganes with his quick footwork, nearly causing the hosts to score an own goal in the first half before providing the finishing tough for the third goal, and then provoked the penalty.
Substitutes:
MF Arda Turan, 7 - Provided a solid base in midfield after coming on for Rakitic.
DF Denis Suarez, 6 - Kept Barca’s midfield flowing after replacing Iniesta.
FW Paco Alcacer, 6 - Had a goal chalked off for offside and although he got in the right positions, he would have been disappointed not to have added to the scoring after coming on for Suarez.
