Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game in a win that secured Barcelona La Ligas first place for the first time since 2013 and potentially their first piece of silverware in their bid for another historic treble.
Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions for the seventh time in ten years on Sunday after a physical encounter against the previous champions Atlético Madrid.
Luis Suárez missed out due to the hamstring problem suffered midweek and opened up a rare opportunity for Pedro with what might be his last season at Barcelona. However, Suárez’s absence did make for less fluid attack than we have become familiar in seeing, with Neymar and Pedro wasting many chances and not troubling Atléti’s defence.
With it looking more likely for a 0-0 draw, Messi took matters in his own hands and scored the goal in the 64th minute to give the visitors the vital lead. Atléti pressed and tried looking for an equaliser, however, Barcelona remained calm and composed in shutting out any chances, with Atléti now rueing the opportunities in the first-half they left begging, particularly José Giménez’ header in the eighth minute.
Atlético Madrid
Jan Oblak – 6: Provided many saves throughout the game, particularly on the stroke of half-time, keeping out a certain Dani Alves goal. Did well to keep Atléti in the game.
Juanfran – 5.5: Defensively solid and kept Neymar relatively quiet throughout the game. Did not venture forward as much as normally does though.
José Giménez – 5: Compact at times alongside Godín. Nearly provided Atléti with the opening goal in the first-half with a fantastic backwards header which Bravo superbly saved.
Diego Godín – 5.5: A busy afternoon for the centre-back. Was solid for Atléti, kept Pedro quiet and made Barcelona to try more long range shots due to the wall of defence he commanded.
Guilherme Siqueira – 6: Due to the runs forward made by Dani Alves, he did not commit to his normal overlapping performances we have gotten accustomed to. However, defensively solid and was close to scoring with a long range which Bravo saved superbly.
Arda Turan – 4.5: Quiet performance as Alba remained tight on him throughout the game. Could not get the ball into dangerous areas and was withdrawn for a more direct approach with Mandžukić.
Gabi – 5.5: Tireless performance from the captain, sat back and went in to win the ball and launch Atléti into some counter-attacks from a deep-lying role. However, did commit to many challenges in dangerous spots.
Mario Suárez – 4.5: A lot of running but did not see much eagerness to press the Barcelona midfield or attack.
Koke – 5: The usual creative influence that he provides was shut-off and limited, instead spent more time alongside Gabi and Suárez in trying to break play and attack on the counter. Booked for a cynical foul on Messi.
Fernando Torres – 5: The determination to continue his rich rein of form against Barcelona was evident throughout the 90 minutes. He battled hard against his old team mate, yet Mascherano was well adept in seizing any potential chances for him to score.
Antoine Griezmann – 5: The Frenchman worked extremely hard alongside Torres and drifted well in the final third, however, was offside on a few occasions and was not his normal dangerous self.
Substitutes
Raúl García – 4.5: Brought on for his strength and determination for Atléti, however, was well marshalled and did not offer much threat.
Mario Mandžukić – 4: The Croatian who was unlucky to start from the bench didn’t have much time to get into the game. By the time he came on, Barcelona were controlling possession well and limited Atléti’s attack.
Saúl –N/A: The desire to get the crucial goal made for a lively appearance off the bench however received little time.
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FC Barcelona
Claudio Bravo – 6.5: Provided a world class save in denying Giménez in the first-half following a corner. As Barcelona grew in the game, he looked more comfortable and was reliable when called on.
Dani Alves – 5.5: Went to ground far too easily in the first half to try winning his side a penalty which was correctly booked for simulation. Provided plenty of width and runs however was well marshalled by Siqueira.
Javier Mascherano – 6.5: Controlled Torres well and his combative style helped come on top on a few occasions as both Torres and Griezmann worked hard in drawing a mistake from Barcelona’s defence, but he remained to the task.
Gerard Piqué – 6: Solid alongside Mascherano and quietened Griezmann particularly within the second-half. Aerially was questioned and lucky to see Bravo keep out a Giménez header.
Jordi Alba – 5.5: Kept the impact of Turan to a minimum, however, his attacking and forward play was not great.
Ivan Rakitić – 6: His presence in midfield was clearly shown with his combative and tireless display. Provided options in the final-third even though at times his passing was a little off, however tracked back when Atléti was on the counter.
Sergio Busquets – 6: As the game wore on, his discipline and composure controlled the midfield and gave Barcelona more control. Ventured forward on occasions however his shooting was poor.
Andres Iniesta – 5.5: Showed glimpses of his class on the ball, but was forced into playing further back by the pressing of Gabi and Suárez.
Lionel Messi – 6.5: Scored the crucial goal to award Barcelona La Liga and potential their first piece of silverware this season. Looked lively throughout and the only one to breakthrough a tough Atléti defence.
Pedro – 5.5: Provided the assist with a one-two inside the box with Messi, yet throughout the match looked short of match fitness and sharpness in front of goal, potentially due to lack of game time this season.
Neymar – 5: Did not seem like his normal self, shot wide and off target which could have made it 2-0 for his side. Booked for time wasting late on.
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Substitutes
Jérémy Mathieu – N/A: The Frenchman was thrown on late to accommodate the height threat from Atléti.
Xavi – N/A: The veteran came on for the final few minutes but was used more as a peacemaker as tensions flared.
Rafinha – N/A: Came on for the final three minutes and did not see much of the ball
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