Barcelona vs. AC Milan: Live Player Ratings for Barca

Barcelona beat AC Milan 3-1 at Camp Nou in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The home side enjoyed large spells of pressure in the first half, and took the lead when Lionel Messi scored from the spot after Neymar had been tugged back by Ignazio Abate.

With half time approaching, Sergio Busquets made it two.

Barca's deep-lying midfielder rose highest to head home a fantastic Xavi Hernandez free kick.

But with the game beginning to look lifeless, Milan got a break just before half time when Gerard Pique deflected beyond Victor Valdes after a great run by Kaka.

However Lionel Messi, who had been on a three game goal drought before the match, made sure of the three points in the second half. 

Here are the live Barca player ratings and analysis.

First-half analysis

Victor Valdes: Apart from one shot which flew wide of his post, Valdes was a spectator in the first half—even if he did conced rin the 45th minute. 6

Dani Alves: Got forward well, but was out of position for Milan's goal on the stroke of half time. 6

Gerard Pique: A lazy foot was the culprit of Milan's goal, other than though he was relatively untested by the Italian's front line. 6

Javier Mascherano: Little to do defensively, but did give away one sloppy foul when caught out by Robinho. 5

Adriano: A force going forward. Produced one dangerous cross into the area and forced a save out of Christian Abbiati just before the interval. 7

Sergio Busquets: Busquets did as Busquets does. He played the anchoring midfield role perfectly, and even added Barca's second through a header. 7

Xavi Hernandez: Superb delivery for Busquets' header, and, as usual, kept the ball ticking over for the Catalans. 7

Andres Iniesta: Nice array of passing, including one floated ball in the build up to the penalty. 6

Lionel Messi: On the score sheet with a penalty, but still not the electrifying Messi we're accustomed too. His spot kick was hit down the middle with pure frustration. 6

Alexis Sanchez: A half of nearlies. Inches away from Adriano's cross at the far post and headed into the side netting following a mix up between Abbiati and Phillipe Mexes. 6

Neymar: A constant threat. His pace and ability to run with the ball caused problems, while his ability to get in behind drew the penalty. 7

Second-half analysis

Victor Valdes: One save from Mario Balotelli, little else to do. 6

Dani Alves: A much better attacking force in the second half, linked with Messi and caused problems down the right. 7

Gerard Pique: Philippe Mexes' hair away from nodding in a third, and some impressive defending too. 6

Javier Mascherano: Saw both sides of Mascherano in the second half: one brilliant last-ditch challenge on Sulley Muntari, then moments later dived in on Mario Balotelli and was beaten too easily. 6

Adriano: A quieter second period from the Brazilian forward. 7

Sergio Busquets: Didn't build on his first-half header—of course—but the normal shielding performance in front of Barca's back four. 7

Xavi Hernandez: The Xavi we know. Kept the ball and kept Barca ticking over. 7

Andres Iniesta: Creative in possession and forced a smart save out of Abbiati from a quickly taken corner. Replaced by Cesc Fabregas after 80 minutes. 7

Lionel Messi: Much more lively in the second half. Link up play with Neymar was impressive, while his running with the ball caused problems and eventually added the second goal he deserved. 9

Alexis Sanchez: A continuation of his good recent form—only a super stop from Abbiati kept him from the score sheet after good work from Messi and Neymar. 7

Neymar: How did he not score? Wonderfull beat four men, but somehow lost his footing and missed the target at the vital moment. 8

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