Valencia CF

3.19

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Guaita

  Did not have an awful lot to do on the night as the hard-working Valencia defense and midfield meant he went largely untested. He claimed most of the high balls into his area.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Aly Cissokho

  The powerful fullback kept Pedro quiet for the majority of the game. He was tidy in defense but was also keen to push forward and relieve the pressure on his side by contributing to the counterattack.

• 
  3

  0

  3.00

  Adil Rami

  A solid performance from the Frenchman as he kept the defense organized and tight in the face of one of the country's most fierce attacks. He never looked like being beaten aerially either.

• 
  1

  0

  3.00

  João Pereira

  Was leaving a lot of space behind him in the opening 30 minutes but regained his concentration and played a bit more conservatively. A rash challenge in the area enabled Messi to level from the spot.

• 
  1

  0

  3.00

  Víctor Ruiz

  Played with great intensity in midfield as he hounded the Barcelona players whenever they tried to settle on the ball. He did not get much time in possession himself, but his influence was important.

• 
  3

  0

  3.50

  Ricardo Costa

  Despite picking up an early knock, the Portuguese soldiered on to put in a strong performance. He kept a close eye on Messi and was never too far from a Blaugrana shirt. He read the game very well.

• 
  4

  0

  3.50

  Ever Banega

  The Argentine was very impressive on the ball, getting his head up and looking to pick out the pass. He remained composed to control the ball and rifle in the game's opener and was the creative hub of his side throughout.

• 
  5

  1

  4.00

  Jose Andrés Guardado Top of the Match

  A brilliant display from the Mexican who looks to be enjoying life in a more advanced position on the left. He got into some dangerous positions and was not afraid to pull the trigger and test Valdes. His energy was infectious.

• 
  2

  1

  3.00

  Tino Costa

  An average night in midfield for the Argentine as he struggled to link to defense to attack due to the limited amount of possession enjoyed by his team. He put in plenty of work off the ball to make up for that though.

• 
  1

  0

  3.50

  Juan Bernat

  Provided a consistent outlet on the right and supplied some quality deliveries from the wide areas. The youngster did not look out of his depth against Barcelona and tracked back to help his side defend, too.

• 
  3

  1

  3.00

  Roberto Soldado

  Appeared eager to make an influence on the game with some positive play in the first half. Should have worked Valdes with a header early in the second half and wasted a few more opportunities before the final whistle.

Substitutions

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Canales

  Replaced Banega in the 64th minute and continued where the Argentine had left off. He was denied a brilliant goal by an equally impressive save from Valdes.

• 
  0

  0

  Jonas

  Brought on for Guardado in the 86th minute and did not have the time to influence the game

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Pablo Piatti

  Came on for Bernat in the 75th minute and tried to exploit the space left by Alba's runs forward.

FC Barcelona

3.04

• 
  12

  1

  3.50

  Víctor Valdés

  The keeper could perhaps have done better as Banega beat him at his near post in the first half. However, he more than atoned for that with a brilliant stop from Canales before a double save at the death.

• 
  3

  4

  2.50

  Daniel Alves

  The Brazilian was nowhere near as threatening down the right flank as he usually is. He seemed to lack the will to get forward and stretch the Valencia defense and contributed to his team's lack of width.

• 
  1

  5

  3.00

  Piqué

  A competent performance from the Spain international as he swept up a lot of Valencia attacks. His header fell to Banega for the first goal but there was not much more he could do to avoid it.

• 
  4

  2

  3.50

  Jordi Alba

  The left back was full of energy against his former club, rampaging down the wing to great effect. He put a few quality crosses into the box and was rarely caught short at the back.

• 
  2

  5

  3.00

  Cesc Fàbregas

  Not one of his best performances for the Blaugrana as he struggled to get involved in the match. He found himself closed down very quickly and was unable to build anything for his teammates.

• 
  4

  2

  3.00

  Xavi

  Saw a lot of the ball in the opposing half and kept the game moving along nicely, but he was unable to engineer anything of significance for his side. Nevertheless, he was always comfortable in the ball.

• 
  6

  2

  3.50

  Andrés Iniesta Luján

  Began wide on the left and combined well with Alba, also allowing him to drift inside. He was very bright and made a number of delightful little passes and touches. He was at the heart of all things positive for his team.

• 
  2

  7

  2.50

  Javier Mascherano Flop of the Match

  The Argentine looked uncomfortable at the back, earning a booking for his poorly-timed tackle on Soldado in the first half. He continued to struggle and was replaced by Puyol in the 55th minute.

• 
  3

  2

  3.00

  Busquets

  Always made himself available in the middle and distributed the ball well. He was calm on the ball, even when chased down and kept a cool head in a heated midfield battle.

• 
  12

  6

  3.00

  Lionel Messi

  Was fairly quiet for much of the first half until his pass led to the awarding of a penalty. He then dispatched it in glorious fashion to score for a record 12th consecutive La Liga game. He contributed very little in the second half too.

• 
  1

  4

  3.00

  Pedro

  Struggled up against Cissokho and was unable to use his pace in the wide areas. He did not get many opportunities to run at the defender and left Barcelona short of creativity in the final third.

Substitutions

• 
  6

  1

  3.00

  Carles Puyol

  Replaced Mascherano in the 55th minute and added a bit more solidity to the defense. He also ensured that Barcelona were stronger in the air.

• 
  1

  3

  Thiago Alcántara

  Came on for Xavi in second-half stoppage time.

• 
  2

  4

  3.00

  David Villa

  Was given a warm welcome when he replaced Fabregas in the 72nd minute. Almost upset them with a shot that dropped just wide of the goal and was generally lively.