BARCELONA
Barcelona player ratings vs Slavia Prague
Messi tried to do whatever he could but there are worrying signs for Barcelona as they looked uninspired against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
Ter Stegen: The German didn't have a lot of work to do. That isn't to say that the Czech side didn't attack often but they were lacking in the last few metres from goal. The most dangerous chance came from a deflection, which Ter Stegen did well to save - 6.
Semedo: A constant threat in the first half aside from that chance Messi created for himself and nearly finished. Defensively, he made Olayinka work hard. In the second half, he was transplanted to the left and went out of the game. Didn't have the same burst going forward and slightly defending became more of a chore for him - 6.
Piqué: Picked up a yellow in the first half that will see him miss the Dortmund game when he controlled the ball into the path of Olayinka. He was good in the air, okay on the ball but his anticipation remains far from his usual high level. Another shaky performance - 5.
Lenglet: Came into the game on the back of a few inconsistent performances. Not playing poorly but not exuding calm as usual. Unsure in some facets of play and gives the vibe that he is hesistant in the penalty area - 5.
Jordi Alba: Very bad luck to have suffered another hamstring injury. Didn't look like he was 100% and with so much of his game based on ferreting up the wing, anything less than 100% leave Barcelona lopsided. He did offer depth in behind Slavia Prague's backline but wasn't on the field long enough to make a real difference - 5.
Sergio Busquets: Didn't put a step wrong but didn't offer anything to link the attack. Under some pressure given the visitors' physicality and their high pressure. Substituted for Ivan Rakitic - 5.
De Jong: One of his worst games as a Barcelona player. Anonymous in the middle of the field and was unable to find space. Very erratic in his play and will come as bad news for Barcelona, who have been used to a high standard from the Dutchman even on off days - 4.
Vidal: His capacity to fight for every ball is special but is lacking the quality Barcelona need in that attacking midfield position. Headered a ball on the ground at one stage rather than lose it. This is Arturo Vidal. Scored a goal but it was offside from Messi. Ran around like a headless chicken at times, but again, this is Arturo Vidal - 5.
Messi: He couldn't be the difference-maker he so often is although he did try. had a spectacular run and shot that rattled the corner of the goalposts. Forced another good save from Kolar after Ansu Fati set him up in the six-yard box. Without Suárez, he seemed a bit lost but he was the best of a bad bunch - 7.
Griezmann: He is very good at defending and willing to help out his teammates but this isn't why Barcelona bought him and it becomes a cop-out when he is offering zero in attack. Popped up at times on the left but never a threat and when he went out to the right, he was somehow worse. Several misplaced passes and miscommunications with teammates - 2.
Dembélé: Not 100%. He played with the handbrake on and when he doesn't have all of his speed at his disposal, he becomes a pretty harmless attacker. Only lasted 60 minutes before being replaced - 3.
SUBSTITUTES
Sergi Roberto: Played on the right. Had a very good chance to open the scoring and while he didn't contribute massively, he did well considering he wasn't 100% either - 5.
Ansu Fati: The academy player almost delivered a beautiful assist for Messi right onto his toe. He showed some glimpses but didn't get enough of a chance to make a difference when his teammates were uninspired around him - 7.
Rakitic: Not himself. Showing a noticeable lack of confidence. Came on in place of Sergio Busquets but missed a number of easy passes. Worrying signs for his Barcelona future. Not only long enough for a rating - 4.