Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-1 Sporting

BARCELONA

Valdés: 6: Cannot be blamed for the goal as it was clearly a defenders' ball, but had little to do apart from that given Sporting's inability to test him.

Alves: 6.5: Another performance that will no doubt be put down to him adapting to his new surroundings and new system at the club.

Puyol: 7: Called in to play in an unfamiliar position and the Catalan club's captain did what was asked of him patrolling down the left.

Piqué: 8.5: A rock at the back who will only grow stronger. Used his size and strength to good effect and it is easy to see why Barça wanted him back.

Márquez: 7.5: Scored the goal but had a quiet game aprt from that as he maintained the calm at the back and was always available for a pass.

Keita: 7.5: Broke up the play of the Portuguese visitors and pushed forward when he could, but did not stand out.

Xavi: 8.5: An habitually confident display that saw him rarely lose possession or give a stray pass and he capped his performance with a goal

Iniesta: 8: Lively throughout, but was unable to finish a good chance in the second period or truly open up the Sporting defence on various occasions.

Messi: 8.5: The fact that every time the Argentinian touched the ball he took players on and lifted the crowd and the team made him stand out.

Henry: 9: Showed what he could do if he was played through the middle more often and also worked very hard for the team when tracking back.

Eto'o: 7.5: His penalty and the applause were just reward for a very hard-working display from the Cameroonian striker who is not having much luck up front.


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