Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta stood out in Football Espana’s player ratings as Barcelona beat Juventus to win the Champions League.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Composed with his distribution and barely troubled in the first half, Ter Stegen saved well from Carlos Tevez’s first effort. Had no luck as the rebound ran for Alvaro Morata but got plenty of it failing to deal with a couple of corners. Reacted well to keep out a late Claudio Marchisio drive.
Rating: 6/10
Dani Alves
Nearly made it two after 13 minutes but was quiet otherwise, except for when arguing with the officials as Neymar’s goal was disallowed.
Rating: 6/10
Javier Mascherano
Uncertain start preceded a crucial block and often held the fort as centre-back partner Pique ventured forward on the break. Largely kept the Juventus front two quiet barring the goal.
Rating: 7/10
Gerard Pique
Positional play usually strong but beaten too easily by Tevez for Morata’s equaliser. Offered a counter-attacking threat too and made some important clearances.
Rating: 7/10
Jordi Alba
Befuddled by Claudio Marchisio’s back heel for Morata’s goal but made an important intervention as Tevez looked for a back-post header and another late smothering of space as Juve looked for a second equaliser.
Rating: 7/10
Sergio Busquets
Barca needed more stability in midfield after Juve equalised and Busquets should have been the man to deliver it. Instead the game stayed end-to-end and the Blaugrana back four was too often unprotected, but order was eventually restored.
Rating: 6/10
Andres Iniesta
Assist for Rakitic and regular touches of excellence made for a good night for the playmaker. Departed with 15 minutes to go, handing the captain’s armband to Xavi Hernandez.
Rating: 8/10
Ivan Rakitic
Early goal and a solid presence in midfield, offering help both in defence and in attack. Brilliant pass for Pique, cushioned side-foot volley that the defender blasted over. Taken off in injury time for Jeremy Mathieu.
Rating: 7/10
Lionel Messi
Super pass for Rakitic’s goal and flashes of brilliance throughout, not least in creating Suarez’s goal with a trademark run. Not as dominant as a week ago in the Copa del Rey final but still head and shoulders above the rest.
Rating: 8/10
Luis Suarez
Twice close to scoring before half time and had more chances after the break but eventually found the net, getting his reward for following up as Messi cut a swathe through the Juve defence. Tweaked his knee late on and hobbled off, eventually replaced by Pedro Rodriguez.
Rating: 7/10
Neymar
Involved in Rakitic’s goal but wasteful at other times, perhaps unlikely to have his goal chalked off after heading the ball onto his hand and past Gianluigi Buffon. Should have done better with the header, though, and removed all controversy, but did eventually find the net.
Rating: 6/10
Subs:
Xavi Hernandez
On with 15 minutes to play for Iniesta in his last Barca appearance. Didn’t contribute much but it was entirely fitting he was the man to lift the trophy.
Jeremy Mathieu
Late substitute for goal scorer Rakitic, coming on with four minutes to play.
Pedro Rodriguez
Third and final substitute with only a couple of minutes on the pitch after relieving Suarez.
Luis Enrique
Suarez and Iniesta reporting fit meant the Coach had no selection questions to answer. Deserves credit for marshalling Barca all season, the Champions League final the culmination of fine work since his appointment a year ago.
Rating: 7/10
