FC Barcelona is on the cusp of claiming another La Liga title after comfortably dispatching of Real Sociedad 2-0 in front of 86,000 people at Camp Nou.
Barcelona
Claudio Bravo – 7.5: Quiet night for the Chilean. Looked very comfortable with his distribution and was solid in the air.
Dani Alves – 8: A constant menace playing essentially as a wide-midfielder, whipping in many dangerous crosses. The Catalans must re-sign the Brazilian, pronto.
Marc Bartra – 7: Recovered from a nervy start to put in a steady shift. Nearly opened the scoring with a lovely header.
Gerard Pique – 8.5: Excellent display from the classy centre-back, full of composure reminding the world of his exceptional qualities.
Adriano – 7: Good outing from the Brazilian utility, not overly threatening in an attacking sense, though steady in defence.
Xavi – 7.5: Another quality outing from the midfield genius, spraying lovely balls to teammates without neglecting his defensive duties.
Javier Mascherano – 8: Excellent hour playing as the midfield holder, expertly shielding his back four before slotting comfortably into defence for last 30 minutes.
Rafinha – 7.5: Encouraging display from the Brazilian, showing a growing confidence seen so regularly whilst on loan at Celta Vigo last season.
Lionel Messi – 7.5: Was not at his absolute best, perhaps keeping some energy in reserve for the looming trip to Munich. Was still quality, setting up Neymar’s opening goal.
Luis Suarez – 6.5: Not the Uruguayan’s best display as most of his trickery was read by the Sociedad defenders.
Neymar – 8.5: High-class performance from Brazil’s captain, opening the scoring and combing well with Messi.
Substitutes
Sergio Busquets – 7: Very composed display after coming on for the last half hour.
Andres Iniesta – 6: Only 15 minutes as a substitute.
Pedro – 7: Only played the last ten minutes though scored a spectacular overhead goal.
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Real Sociedad
Geronimo Rulli – 8.5: The 22-year old Argentine showed why he is arguably the world’s finest young custodian with an outstanding display, particularly in the first-half. He displayed extraordinary reflexes and will push to be Argentina’s number one at the upcoming Copa America in Chile.
Carlos Martinez – 5: Lacked confidence throughout the match as Neymar had his way with him.
Mikel Gonzalez – 5: Mainly at fault for the opening goal and was a spectator for Pedro’s goal.
Íñigo Martínez – 6.5: Could have done better for the Neymar goal but otherwise a steady outing for the young Spaniard.
Alberto De La Bella – 6.5: The left-back held his position well and was not embarrassed by Messi.
Ruben Pardo – 6: Unable to test Barcelona with his attacking quality, mainly needed to help protect his back four.
Bergara – 6.5: Shielded his defence reasonably well and was willing to take risks going forward, though often led to mistakes.
Xabi Prieto – 5.5: A player of undoubted quality failed to threaten Barcelona in dangerous areas.
Sergio Canales – 4.5: Poor display from the young Spaniard, making ordinary passing decisions and failing to worry the Barca defence.
Esteban Granero – 5: No presence at all in the midfield for the former Real Madrid man, barring the occasional glimpse of quality a forgettable night for the 27-year old.
Carlos Vela – 5.5: Worked hard for very little reward, a frustrating day.
Substitutes
Gonzalo Castro – 4: Did not offer much in 15 minutes.
Alfred Finnbogason – 3.5: One weak effort late.
Elustondo – N/A
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