Barcelona player ratings vs Espanyol: Messi delivers a masterclass

Left Back- Jordi Alba- 7/10

For most of the game, Jordi Alba managed to keep Hernan Perez in his pocket and displayed his attacking prowess. The Spain international could not link up really well with Lionel Messi though, but the fact that he did his defensive duties properly was more than enough for Ernesto Valverde’s outfit. He also recovered the ball five times. Alba may get a rest against Spurs given that Barcelona have already topped their group.

Centre Back- Clement Lenglet- 6.5/10

Clement Lenglet had a free and comfortable night given that Borja Iglesias was not causing much of a threat to him. The former Sevilla defender won 60% of his duels and beat his man in all of his aerial challenges. Lenglet will be playing many matches over the course of the next few weeks given the uncertainties surrounding the fitness of Samuel Umtiti.

Centre Back- Gerard Pique- 7/10

Oscar Melendo, the false nine of Espanyol was looking like a threat for the home side and he was probably the only one who kept troubling the visitors. However, Gerard Pique dealt with the forward in an extremely good way and made quite a few blocks. His goal scoring run did end, but Pique would not be too bothered by it given that Barcelona managed to win.

Right Back- Nelson Semedo- 8/10

Similar to Jordi Alba, Nelson Semedo kept Espanyol’s wide player and his man Victor Sanchez at bay. The 22-year-old also had the liberty to go into the attacking half and completed 92% of his 57 passes, 33 of which were in the opponent’s third. Semedo could not facilitate his link up with Dembele though because they were playing on different flanks.