Ferencvaros 0-3 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Barcelona Continue Perfect Start in Champions League

No Lionel Messi, no problem - enter Martin Braithwaite
No Lionel Messi, no problem - enter Martin Braithwaite / Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-0 win at Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, putting them in pole position to finish top of Group G should they avoid defeat next week.

La Blaugrana had already secured qualification heading into the game and used it as an opportunity to rest star man Lionel Messi once again. His absence didn't disrupt the side, who were dominant from the first whistle and took the lead after 14 minutes thanks to a clever flick from Antoine Griezmann at the near post.

The hosts couldn't find a way to stop the visitors, who added their second just six minutes later. Martin Braithwaite popped up in the box to finish off a low cross from Ousmane Dembele, bagging his second Champions League goal so far this season.

Barcelona were keen to get their work tied up early and added a third not long after, capitalising on an impressive spell of play by converting a penalty won by Braithwaite after he was brought down while running through on goal. Dembele, this time, turned goalscorer and made it 3-0 in under half an hour.

Ferencvaros did have the chance to threaten on a few occasions after the break, but truthfully Ronald Koeman's side never looked like conceding and saw the game out professionally.

It wasn't quite the 5-1 humbling the Hungarian side received away in Catalonia and gave a decent enough account of themselves, but Barcelona looked focused and determined in maintaining a so far perfect start in this season's Champions League. Here's how their players rated.


1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Jordi Alba managed an assist against Ferencvaros
Jordi Alba managed an assist against Ferencvaros / Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images

Neto (GK) - 6/10 - Very easy clean sheet for the Brazilian who had little to do, but kept the ball out of the net when called upon.

Sergino Dest (RB) - 7/10 - Another impressive performance for the young American. Was present when needed for defensive duties and relished the chance to get forward in a game his side dominated.

Oscar Mingueza (CB) - 7/10 - The 21-year-old enjoyed a comfortable second Champions League appearance. Again, quiet in defensive duties but did the job and racked up a 94% pass accuracy.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - 7/10 - Resilient performance from Lenglet much to the delight of Koeman, who feared he would be without the Frenchman through injuries. Vital that he can maintain fitness.

Jordi Alba (LB) - 8/10 - The experienced head at the back led the charge going forward and was a consistent attacking threat down the left in the first half. Created three chances and grabbed an assist for good measure in a strong performance.


2. Midfielders

A fully fit Ousmane Dembele is one of Europe's brightest attackers
A fully fit Ousmane Dembele is one of Europe's brightest attackers / Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images

Francisco Trincao (RM) - 6/10 - An active game for Trincao, but he'll be disappointed not to have contributed to the scoreline directly. Barcelona's best stuff came down the opposite flank, but by no means was it a poor performance.

Miralem Pjanic (CM) - 7/10
- 90 minutes in the tank for Pjanic who made the most of the game and was constantly on the ball. Sprayed passes everywhere for his teammates and was key in keeping the tempo up.

Sergio Busquets (CM) - 7/10 - Much better performance from the veteran midfielder, who kept things ticking while his side burst forward and secured the win. Job done at half time.

Ousmane Dembele (LM) - 9/10 - Dembele just managed to outshine France teammate Griezmann with an incredible performance. Looked a danger every time he touched the ball and had the opposition's number. Be it a whipped cross or a mazy run and shot of his own, he was electric. Sealed the deal with a cool penalty.

Antoine Griezmann (AM) - 8/10 - Griezmann relished the chance to be the focal point of the side, returning to a much more familiar number ten role and thriving. Constant threat and scored a ridiculous opening goal. Sublime.


3. Forward

Martin Braithwaite (ST) - 8/10 - From the subs bench in Middlesbrough to leading the line for Barcelona, all in the space of two years. It's still a bit mental to think that Braithwaite is Barcelona's number nine, but he's doing the job this season. His goal was his fourth in his last three games, and he won the penalty with a brilliant run.