Player Ratings: Barcelona 4-2 Betis

Not the way he would have wanted to spend his 30th birthday as he sought a new clean sheet record. But he couldn't have done anything about either of the goals and produced a decent save early on as well.

Given too much work in a three man back line and it showed today. Flanked by just two defensive teammates he is stretched in terms of pace and Betis was given too much room at times. Also booked for handball.

Another who is given too many responsibilities when he is in a three-man back line. Looked less assured than he usually does and was unable to influence the game going forward. Caught out of position on occasions, despite his pace.

It was his mis-hit shot which inadvertently set up Xavi for the opening goal, but the former Arsenal midfielder was less impressive than he has been in recent weeks. Saw one effort deflected wide in the second half, but was less of a threat than he has been lately.

Showed off his Bronze Ball before kickoff and got off to a bright start with the opening goal, but he faded after that and was unable to exert his usual influence in this match. Got an assist for Alexis' goal, but that was more about the Chilean's finish.

Always positive and always looking to offer something different, Iniesta set up Alexis in the build up to the second and had one excellent run shortly afterwards. Also should have had a penalty in the second half.

Has looked adept in a three man back line but less so tonight as Barca gave the ball away too much in midfield. Caught out in terms of pace and positioning as Barca looked rattled, but also made several important interceptions at the back.

Not at his best on his 100th league appearance for the Catalan club. Gave away possession on several occasions and offered little going forward as well. Not a night to remember for the midfielder - apart from his milestone.

Not his best game, but he still scored twice. Clinically latched onto Alexis' pass to beat Casto for the first and added the second from the spot late on. Also had two or three trademark bursts through the visitors' defense after showing off his Ballon d'Or before kickoff.

Has been brilliant since breaking into the first team earlier this season but this was not his best night as most of Barca's best attacks took place on the other side of the pitch. Unable to really break away and was replaced by Alves at the break.

Forced to pick the ball out of his net four times but also did well to stop goal bound efforts from both Messi and Alves.

Struggled to cope with the threat of both Iniesta and Alexis, two of Barca's best players on the night. Was given insufficient help from his midfield, however, and can't be blamed for failing to stop the Chilean on the second goal.

Made one vital block to deny Messi but was otherwise caused plenty of problems and his handball saw the Andalusians concede a late penalty - which Messi scored.

Made one saving tackle from Messi and coped well with the threat of Cuenca, Most of Barca's best attacks came from the other flank, so he wasn't really to blame for his side's downfall.

Back in the side after injury and showed Betis what it had missed as he set up Ruben Castro for the first goal. Faded in the second period and was replaced by Matilla after 57 minutes, but showed plenty of quality.

Replaced at the interval following a sub-standard showing in the first period, when he was completely anonymous in the center of the park.

The winger is an exciting prospect going forward and his exceptional pace caused Barca problems, but he tripped Iniesta and was lucky not to concede a penalty in the second half.

Lively on the wing but offered insufficient protection to Isidoro in defense as the fullback struggled with Iniesta and Sanchez.

Had his moments in attack for Betis but was largely isolated up front and was replaced late in the game, having made little impact.

Was a decent outlet on the wing, even though he was isolated for long periods. Hauled Betis back into the game with his side's first, ending all hopes of a new clean sheet record for the Catalan club. Didn't see enough of the ball, though.