Champions League Player Ratings: Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Barcelona

Can take no fault in the goals, which were scored when he was left stranded. Ultimately had few saves to make, but did exceptionally well to deny Sanchez a hat-trick, and on another occasion was very fast off his line to claim a through-ball. Very composed for a player of just 19 years.

Booked early on for a poor challenge on Abidal, the defender made a fantastic block a few minutes later to deny Messi a shooting opportunity. Was unable to deal with the pace of Alexis but did his best and saved his side on several occasions.

Was left ball watching as Cesc set up Alexis for the second goal and like Schwaab, struggled with the threat of the Chilean. Made some good interventions but ultimately couldn't cope.

A positive presence on the left of defence and scored the Leverkusen goal with a fantastic header. But he struggled at the back and was given a torrid time by Alexis and Messi.

Was not involved in the Kadlec equaliser, but played a hand in almost every other Leverkusen opportunity. Was unlucky to have his shot tipped onto the post with the score 2-1, and played a gorgeous cross to set up Kiessling late in the game. Never gave up hope.

Tried his best to get forward, leading one attack in the first half which came to nothing and then setting up Leverkusen's goal with an excellent run and curled cross from the right. Restricted the influence of Adriano, but also picked up a booking and struggled when up against Alexis.

A hard-working display from the captain, but he struggled to have his usual influence in midfield as the Catalans dominated possession.

Easily the best of the Leverkusen midfield trio, the former 1860 man was everywhere in defence, always showing up to help double-team the man in possession. Time and time again he closed down passing channels, and muscled his opponents off the ball. And as always, he was the single most industrious man on the day.

Though he only proved an intermittent attacking threat, the Brazilian added a touch of class on a couple occasions, and easily could have been involved in a goal. Tested Valdes early in the second half before his diving header played Castro in with a good chance.

Usually a winger or supporting striker, the Germany international looked a bit out of place as a centre-forward, and was unable to use his best assets - his pace and dribbling. Never had a sniff at goal.

Came racing off his line and needlessly conceded a throw-in when the ball was going out for a corner in the second half, but made one vital intervention when he pushed Castro's stinging shot onto the post and also saved Kiessling's second-half header.

Blasted a free-kick over the bar when he could have sent a decent ball into the box, but was a constant threat down the right flank and his measured ball set up Messi for the crucial third goal.

Typically brave and strong in defence, but there were a few mix-ups at the back, notably when Leverkusen scored and also as Castro hit the post. Looks to have lost some pace following his injury problems and also looked to miss partner Gerard Pique.

Started in a forward role and was always positive. Sent a speculative curling effort way over the bar in the first half and set Cesc on his way to set up Alexis for the second goal. Limped off just after an hour.

Got forward well down the left to support his team-mates and was positive with the ball, but shouldn't have allowed Corluka to set up the first goal as the Croatian reached the byeline and crossed for Kadlec to head home.

A positive performance from Cesc, who set up Alexis' second goal with a lovely through ball. His decision making was less impressive, though, and he wasted a decent shooting opportunity late on.

Coming back from injury, the midfielder looked good for an hour, albeit slightly below his usual best. Kept the possession ticking over and was positive in the absence of the injured Xavi. Replaced with half an hour left.

Made one first-half foray into the Leverkusen half but it came to nothing. Careless in possession on occasions when he should have kept it simple, and was caught out of position too often at the back.

Had Guardiola worried when he was hurled onto the ground by Castro, but got up and was fine. Another coming back from injury, he looked his usual self with some neat passing and did a good job defensively.

Came close in the first half when he poked an angled shot at Leno, then set up Alexis with a lovely lobbed pass for the opening goal. Almost added one of his own late on with a brilliant run and chip which hit the post, but finally got his goal late on when he poked home Alves' cross.