Barcelona 2-2 Valencia: Player Ratings as Messi's Record Night Ends in Disappointment

Barcelona’s momentum from recent La Liga wins over Levante and Real Sociedad was firmly halted by a resilient Valencia side in a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

Valencia took the lead, bit despite Ronald Koeman’s Barca turning the scoreline on its head, the visitors refused to give in and held firm.

Barcelona struggled to create enough clear chances and were defensively vulnerable enough at 2-2 for Koeman to opt for a defensive substitution instead of one to win the game.

Here are the Barcelona player ratings from the disappointing draw.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ronald Araujo scored a superb goal / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen - 5/10 - Beaten twice from few Valencia shots on target.

Sergino Dest – 5/10 - The American lined up opposite fellow USMNT player Yunus Musah, but it was a fairly anonymous performance from the right-back.

Ronald Araujo - 7/10- Looked confident at the back and scored a superb goal – his first for the senior side - with an improvised scissor kick half volley

Oscar Mingueza - 5/10 - Was doing well but naivety and inexperience shone through when he lacked awareness for Valencia’s second goal.

Jordi Alba - 6/10 - Saw plenty of the ball at left-back and offered a good outlet in possession.

2. Midfielders

Koeman didn't trust Coutinho to make the difference / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Sergio Busquets - 5/10 - Withdrawn at half-time.

Pedri - 7/10 - Played with maturity and poise beyond his tender years, occupying a pivotal role at the base of the midfield after Busquets went off.

Philippe Coutinho - 5/10 - Lacked end product on occasion, although brought one notable save out of Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech. Sacrificed for greater defensive solidity.

3. Forwards

Barca didn't have much other than Messi / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Lionel Messi - 7/10 - Missed a penalty but scored the rebound to equal Pele’s record as the all-time top scorer for a single club. The centre of virtually every attack.

Martin Braithwaite - 6/10 - Offered a more of a central presence in the second half and Valencia one or two problems. Came very close to scoring a header.

Antoine Griezmann - 5/10 - Won the admittedly soft penalty that got Barca back on level terms, although it was others who appeared to pose a greater threat generally.

4. Substitutes

De Jong came on at half-time in place of Busquets / David Ramos/Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong - 6/10 - Arrived at half-time and carried the ball well at times, although the Dutchman struggled to make enough happen.

Francisco Trincao - 5/10 - Did little after coming on and still awaits his first goal.

Clement Lenglet - 6/10 - Brought on soon after Valencia equalised at 2-2 for extra defensive cover.

Miralem Pjanic – N/A – Appeared for the final five minutes.

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