VALLADOLID 0 - BARCELONA 1
Barcelona player ratings vs Valladolid
Arturo Vidal got the game's only goal with Messi providing the assist while Griezmann and Suarez both stumbled through 45 minutes.
Ter Stegen: another game in which the German was decisive. He stopped a couple of Ünal headers in the second half that saved Barcelona's bacon. And he also denied Sandro late on to at the near post. Excellent again with his delivery from the back and solid throughout - 7.
Sergi Roberto: an exhibition of physical fitness from the academy players and he broke lines with his running constantly. A perfect first half, playing almost as a right winger and himself and Semedo combined well. When Barcelona started to lose control, his influence started to wane and he couldn't figure out a way back into the game - 6.
Piqué: good, solid game from Pique. He suffered a lot in the second half in the air against Ünal.The Turkish striker almost won a point for Valladolid in the second half. Kike also got goal side of him too in the first half but aside from those occasions, he was efficient - 6.
Lenglet: it was a strange move to take Lenglet off in the second half despite being the best defender on the during the time he was on the field. It might have been because he was on a yellow for a foul in the first half. His absence was felt when he was replaced - 7.
Semedo: his first half was exceptional. Involved in everything good Barcelona did in that opening 45. Offered his side depth and width on the right. Gave a lovely pass to Riqui Puig who should have had an assist for Griezmann. After the break, he suffered and was pushed further back - 7.
Sergio Busquets: a guarante in the middle of the field for his teammates. Played the first part in search of space and being decisive in recovering possession. As Valladolid got the upper hand, he looked tired and was replaced by Junior - 6.
Riqui Puig: the academy product continues to shine when given chances. He is playing at a very high level and is always involved. Very close to scoring from a great pass by Riqui Puig but his shot was saved by Masip. Defensively alert and recovered a lot of balls - 7.
Arturo Vidal: sometimes feels like the only player Setien has who knows how to suffer and not take a backwards step. Scored a goal after another assist from Messi. His fighting spirit counts for a lot when the team loses control - 7.
Alba: the left-back got back some good vibes after some mediocre performances. He played further forward in the first half. Much more effective when he returned to his natural position in the second half. Vital at times when Barcelona needed an outlet and looked on the brink of losing complete control - 6.
Messi: gave an assist to Vidal for the only goal of the game. Equalled Xavi's record in 2008-09 with 20 assists. Close to scoring twice. Looked to be more committed in the last few minutes, pressuruing opponents but looked quite tired at times, which is understandable given his workload in recent weeks - 8.
Griezmann: played just 45 minutes. Didn't do much and missed one sitter completely. Not very precise in his combinations with teammates and wasn't particularly helpful in defense either. Suarez came on in his place for the second half after another disappointing display - 5.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Luis Suárez: despite scoring four goals since the return, Suarez isn't fresh and doesn't look fit. Never looked dangerous and Valladolid took care of his movement with ease. Never got into the groove with Messi either and that's usually a dangerous combination for defenders - 5.
Rakitic: the croatian played well when he came on. Tried to inject something fresh into the middle with some control but did not achieve that as Barcelona had already lost their grip on the game by the time he was introduced.
Araujo: introduced for Lenglet to fight in the air with Valladolid's increasing aerial threat but didn't convince.
Junior: clumsy when he came on and nearly gave away a penalty. Brought on to fortify the left-hand side but didn't achieve that.