Player Ratings: Xerez 0-2 Barcelona

XEREZ

Renan – 6: Surprisingly wasn’t too troubled in between the sticks. He was perhaps a beat to slow in coming out to claim Maxwell’s cross which allowed Henry to score but could do nothing about Ibrahimovic’s delicate chip.

Francis – 6: Kept Henry on a tight leash at all times and even found space to burst forward. But he left his flank wide open in the build up to Barca’s opener and was completely exposed in the latter stages of the game as the visitors carved up two quick chances.

Aythami – 6: Marshalled his defence well but he was just pipped to the ball by Henry. Had a few openings himself from set-pieces at the other end.

Gioda – 6: Always made himself available to cut across to either flank to help cover.

Casado – 6.5: Looked as though he would have a long night ahead against Bojan but as the game wore on, he got the better of the Barca youngster. Always in control of his wing even when Messi came on.

Sidi Keita – 6: Stayed just in front of the back four throughout the game. Did marvellously to shadow Xavi but when Barca’s big dogs were unleashed, he looked helpless.

Bergantinos – 6: Formed the perfect double pivot with Sidi and he was the link between defence and attack. Did well to distribute the ball forward on the counter.

Victor Sanchez – 5.5: Wasn’t allowed much room to impress on the right flank. Had one look-in at goal from a deep Orellana cross.

Carlos Calvo – 6.5: Threatened through the middle and down the left flank. Caused plenty of problems for the Barcelona rearguard as he drifted all across the midfield line.

Orellana – 7: Very lively down the left flank. Had plenty of speed and skill and gave Barca a few concerns with his runs and crosses, but ultimately did not have the confidence to really exploit the gaps at the back.

Bermejo – 5: Had to live off scraps but was presented with a glorious chance in the second half, which he spurned by squaring it to Orellana instead. As the lead striker, he should have gone for the shot.

Substitutes:

Antonito – 5: Barely had anything to show in the 30-plus minutes he was on.

Armenteros – 6: Lifted Xerez’s game as soon as he came on when his side enjoyed a large share of possession.

BARCELONA

Valdes – 6: With a makeshift backline protecting him, he didn’t look very assured of himself. Made a few poor judgement calls, especially with high ball and crosses, but kept a clean sheet in the end.

Dani Alves – 6.5: Left his position unattended on a few occasions but always doubled back in time. Looked lost in attack without his usual cohort, Messi but came to life when his regular playing partners were around.

Rafa Marquez – 7: Looks to be slowly regaining his confidence after a lengthy spell out. Barely put a foot wrong at the back.

Chygrynskiy – 6: Still finding his feet and frequently needed help from a team-mate to cover his man. Lost the ball a few times as he tried to bring it forward.

Maxwell – 6.5: Barely showed any attacking intent in the first half but as soon as he got forward at the start of the second, he set up the opening goal for Henry.

Xavi – 7: Showed some classy touches with his passing and through balls but unfortunately, none of his attacking colleagues were quite on the same wavelength as he was.

Toure – 6.5: A no fuss display as he kept it tight in midfield. Went across to the right to help cover for Dani Alves on a few occasions.

Seydou Keita – 7: Showed just why he has overtaken Yaya as the main holding midfielder. Ever present to clean up in defence but also always there to help out in the attacking third.

Pedro – 5: Without the attacking big guns, this was Pedro’s chance to shine but instead, he looked lost without his established compatriot. Anonymous throughout the game.

Henry – 6.5: Still not his energetic self. Never made any mazy runs past defenders and caught offside a few times. But he did show his predatory instincts as the centre-forward with a firm header from Maxwell’s cross.

Bojan – 6: Made a bright start but gradually disappeared from the game and never rose to the challenge as he made way for Ibrahimovic midway through the second half.

Substitutes:

Messi – 7: The newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner got into the game immediately and posed a constant menace. Hit the post late in the game just before setting up Ibra’s goal.

Ibrahimovic – 7: Once again, came off the bench to score, this time an audacious chip over the goalkeeper from outside the box.

Iniesta – 5: Missed a near-open goal from three yards out after being set up by Ibra. Didn’t really have time to exhibit his normal game as he only had seven minutes on the pitch.