Grading the Barcelona Players on Their Champions League Performances vs. Apoel
It was a tight affair at Camp Nou on Wednesday when Barcelona hosted Apoel in Champions League group-stage play. However, Barcelona finished the match with all three points thanks to a first-half header from Gerard Pique.
While it certainly wasn’t the best performance from the Blaugrana, Luis Enrique’s men were able to get the job in front of their own fans.
Now is the time to take a look back at the clash in Catalonia and examine how each player performed. In this article we will grade each Barcelona player on their performance and discuss how the team is looking heading forward.
All player statistics are courtesy of WhoScored.com.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
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It was a rather quiet night for the new Barcelona 'keeper. Marc-Andre ter Stegen did not have much to do against Apoel, but he answered the call when needed.
Throughout the match, the German made 20 touches and completed every one of his passes. He also made a solid save to help the Catalans keep their fourth clean sheet of the new season.
It is always hard to grade a 'keeper when they did not have much to do. However, Ter Stegen did what was asked of him and was focused all night.
Final Grade: B
Dani Alves
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Dani Alves produced another fine performance for the Blaugrana, and he was surprisingly focused on the defensive side of the ball. The Brazilian was able to get involved in the attack, but he did not let that affect the back line.
The 31-year-old made four big tackles on the night and completed 90 percent of his passes. Though Alves can be hit or miss, he was definitely on his game against Apoel.
With young Martin Montoya fighting for a spot in the lineup, Alves has had to raise his level over the past few months. In the first Champions League game of the season, the right-back showed he has still got it.
It wasn't a perfect night for the Brazil international, but Alves was certainly a bright spot in a shaky overall performance from the Catalans.
Final Grade: B
Gerard Pique
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Despite the last couple of years finding Gerard Pique in questionable form, the Catalan defender was at his best against Apoel. The 27-year-old made three strong tackles on Wednesday and completed every single one of his passes.
Additionally, Pique was able to cut off a few promising attacks from Apoel during the match at Camp Nou and was a force at the back.
All of his defending aside, it was Pique who won the game for Barcelona with an excellent header in the first half. With a solid all-round performance, Pique reminded fans just what he is capable of.
Final Grade: A
Marc Bartra
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Marc Bartra had a relatively quiet night by his standards but was still able to make his presence felt. The Catalans center back made two good tackles on the night, including one as the last man which was a big moment for the Blaugrana.
His 82 touches were often used to keep possession and recycle the ball, and Bartra showed that he is a much better distributor than he gets credit for. Playing alongside Pique helped for sure, but it was clear that the 23-year-old now has experience on his side.
It wasn’t a standout night for Bartra, but he did what was necessary to help Barcelona keep a clean sheet. Fighting for a starting spot in this lineup will continue to push the defender, and he looks ready to step up.
Final Grade: B
Adriano
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Every time Adriano suits up for Barcelona he seems to have a strong night without drawing too much attention. The same proved true on Wednesday, though the Brazilian was able to make an impact in attack.
Since he was not needed to defend much, Adriano proceeded to storm down the wing and managed to win four dribbles in the process. The Brazilian ended the night with 113 touches and two shots, though he did not find the back of the net.
Adriano showed that he is the epitome of a wing-back. Had Apoel attacked more down the wings, he would have been forced to stay further back, but that simple wasn’t the case.
Yet another decent showing from the 29-year-old, who is always looking to strike when you least expect it.
Final Grade: B
Xavi
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Xavi was far from his best, but he was still able to impact the game. He completed 91 percent of his passes, but it was his ability to read the game that helped the Catalans the most.
Normally the type of player who does all of the little things that most people do not see, Xavi was marked out of the match at times. At 34 years old, it is becoming apparent that his body can’t do what it used to; the midfielder was slow to several plays on the night.
It is very uncommon for Xavi to have a bad game, and while the match against Apoel wasn’t a bad one for the captain, it was far from his best.
Final Grade: B-
Sergi Roberto
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Like Xavi, Sergi Roberto was unable to have a major effect on the match. The Masia graduate did complete 92 percent of his passes, yet few of those created any danger.
Luckily, the 22-year-old did help out defensively by making four big tackles. However, the fans were hoping for much more from him with the ball at his feet.
Though many still believe Sergi Roberto can have a big career at Barcelona, it still seems as though the quality just isn’t there for the midfielder. With more playing time under Luis Enrique he may be able to find his place at the Catalan club. For now, his role is still in question.
Final Grade: C
Sergi Samper
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Sergio Busquets is pictured above because he happens to be the player that Sergi Samper is constantly compared to. On Wednesday, everyone got to see just why those comparisons exist.
Making his Champions League debut, Samper put on a master showing and was one of the best players on the pitch.
The 19-year-old completed 93 percent of his passes from 118 touches and was constantly creating problems for Apoel’s attack. His ability to read the game made it difficult for the visitors to create any chances, and he looked far more mature than his age would suggest.
When Samper was called upon to make defensive stops, he did just that. The midfielder made four wonderful tackles on the night and intercepted plenty of passes to make even Busquets proud of the effort.
Those who have regularly watched Samper in action will not be surprised by his performance against Apoel because the talent has always been there. Yet, for everyone else, Samper has now been officially introduced.
Final Grade: A
Neymar
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Neymar may not have put his name on the scoreboard, but the Brazilian was dangerous for the Catalans. Apoel struggled to keep the 22-year-old at bay, and they were no match for his movement.
The Brazilian wonder only made 80 touches at Camp Nou, but he did a lot when he was in possession. Neymar won six dribbles against Apoel and got off four shots. Looking back, he should have been able to find a goal at some point, but it wasn’t to be.
Neymar’s partnership with Lionel Messi is strengthening by the day. The pair looked really strong on Wednesday, and their connection was brilliant. Neymar is finally starting to settle into his place at Barcelona and defenders should be worried.
Final Grade: B+
Munir El Haddadi
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Munir El Haddadi’s continued on his upward trajectory on Wednesday, making his Champions League debut. Truthfully, he could have played much better, but he showed brilliant flashes at Camp Nou.
The 19-year-old only managed 24 touches against Apoel and got off a lone shot. He struggled for the most part to be a real threat to Apoel’s defense, but he did link up well with Messi as their connection also continues to grow with every passing game.
At this point, fans have come to expect amazing things from Munir on a regular basis. Wednesday saw the young striker help Barcelona from a team standpoint, but his individual play was lacking. Munir did manage to score in the second half, but he was clearly offside and the goal was chalked off.
Final Grade: B
Lionel Messi
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Another match, another brilliant showing from Lionel Messi. The Argentine wonder is in excellent form at the moment, which continued against Apoel.
Messi completed 81 percent of his passes from 103 touches, and he was a nightmare for Apoel the entire night. The 27-year-old won an astounding 10 dribbles at Camp Nou, while he also took five dangerous shots.
While Messi was unable to find the back of the net for himself, he did assist Pique’s winning goal in the first half.
Sometimes Messi plays the hero; other times he is the one making everyone else look good. On Wednesday, Messi was his usual self, and Apoel could do nothing to stop him from making big plays.
Final Grade: A+
The Bench
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Andres Iniesta: Grade B+
Andres Iniesta was subbed on early in the second half and immediately changed the game. His passing and movement caused more problems for the visitors, and his ability to create space helped open up the Blaugrana attack.
Sandro Ramirez: Grade C
Sandro Ramirez replaced Munir shortly after Iniesta came on. The young striker was unable to do more than the player he replaced, though his fresh legs helped Barcelona’s pressing game plan.
Rafinha: Grade B
Rafinha is still finding his role at Barcelona under Luis Enrique, but he is definitely getting plenty of chances. He replaced Sergi Roberto late in the game and was an improvement. He had little time to make an impact, but it was clear that the game could have gone better had Rafinha started in place of Sergi Roberto.
Who was your man of the match? What do you make of Barcelona's win against Apoel at Camp Nou? Leave your thoughts and comments below.
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