Barcelona player ratings vs Atletico: Messi was nothing special

Left Back- Jordi Alba- 6/10

Jordi Alba and Barcelona have not agreed terms for a contract extension, but the player’s performances signal that the Catalans need to extend his stay at the club. The former Valencia left back has been playing well of late and put in an average performance on Saturday as well. Alba was not called into defensive action very often but he looked threatening whilst going forward.

Centre Back- Samuel Umtiti- 7/10

Samuel Umtiti got into Barcelona’s starting eleven for the Atletico Madrid clash and played his first match since suffering an injury at Leganes in September. The France international looked strong and used his physique well. Barcelona’s headache would have eased off if they are sure about Umtiti’s fitness and have another central defensive option now. Umtiti did well to keep Diego Costa quite. But again, the marking during the corner could have been better.

Centre Back- Gerard Pique- 7.5/10

Gerard Pique had a fairly quite evening as Antoine Griezmann refrained from taking him on. The Barcelona central defender would stand as a big brick wall in front of the France international and most of the times, Antoine was forced to play the ball back or consider other options. Pique did well in keeping the France international at bay and he needed such a performance after the Real Betis howler a fortnight ago.

Right Back- Nelson Semedo- 6/10

Nelson Semedo had a silent game at right back similar to his full back partner when defending. The Portugal international was going forward but he did not come up with any significant output. Semedo was basically just an eleventh player used to fill in the right back’s spot, but he would surely have been put into a test had there been a more attacking minded team.