Alaves 1-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Barca Slip Up Again on the Road
By Ali Rampling
Barcelona were unable to offer an on the pitch distraction to their behind the scenes turmoil as they stuttered to a 1-1 draw with 10-man Alaves in La Liga on Saturday.
Ronald Koeman's side fell behind just after the half hour mark, Alaves winger Luis Rioja capitalising on a poor touch from Neto to dispossess the Brazilian goalkeeper and roll the ball into an empty net.
The home side then saw Jota sent off for a second bookable offence, and moments later Barcelona were level through Antoine Griezmann's clipped finish. Barça dominated possession for large spells of the game but could not find a way past a stubborn Alaves backline, who defended deep and got men behind the ball.
Let's get into some Barcelona player ratings.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Neto (GK) - 4/10 - Poorly controlled Pique's back pass and dithered on the ball as Luis Rioja robbed him and raced clear to open the scoring.
Sergi Roberto (RB) - 6/10 - Played Messi through with a perfectly weighted pass in the second half and was the livelier of the two Barcelona fullbacks.
Gerard Pique (CB) - 5/10 - Stitched Neto up with an awkward back pass instead of clearing his lines in the build up to Alaves' opener, having had very little to do defensively all evening. Blazed a glorious opportunity wide at the death.
Clément Lenglet (CB) - 5/10 - Played Fati in with a sumptuous pass and was probably the most unfortunate of the three players to be taken off at half time by Ronald Koeman.
Jordi Alba (LB) - 5/10 - Was very quiet, offering little going forward and was replaced by Sergino Dest with a little over 20 minutes remaining.
2. Midfielders
Ousmane Dembele (RM) - 4/10 - Enjoyed one particularly exciting burst down the flank as he ignited the burners and flew past Duarte - but it was something he did not produce frequently enough. Surrendered possession cheaply on a couple of occasions and was hauled off at half time.
Sergio Busquets (CM) - 4/10 - Caught out of position as Alaves launched a slick counter attack in the first half. Sloppy in possession at times, hauled off at half time on a booking.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) - 6/10 - Much more efficient in possession than his midfield partner. Moved to centre back as part of a back three at half time but effectively continued to play as a central midfielder when Barcelona were in possession.
Ansu Fati (LM) - 6/10 - Picked out Griezmann with a good cut back in the first half, but squandered one of Barcelona's best chances when played through by Lenglet. Produced a couple of edge of seat, mazy marauds down the wing. Happy 18th birthday.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (ST) - 6/10 - Wriggled through in sumptuous Messi style midway through the first half in the buildup to a good opening for Griezmann. Had an effort from close range terrifically palmed round the post in the second half. Crowded out and frustrated at times.
Antoine Griezmann (ST) - 7/10 - Dragged a shot wide in the first half after being found by Fati. Levelled the scores just after the hour mark with a deft finish.
4. Substitutes
Pedri - 7/10 - Offered a few reasons to be cheerful with another impressive performance, flashes of real intelligence and star quality.
Miralem Pjanic - 6/10 - Brought on at half-time for Busquets and put himself about well enough. Still doesn't strike you as a Barcelona type player.
Francisco Trincão- 5/10 - On at half-time for Dembele, but didn't fare much better than the Frenchman. Quiet and ineffective.
Sergino Dest - 6/10 - A 20 minute run-out yielded very little action of note.
Martin Braithwaite - N/A