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本帖最后由 pedro 于 2011-1-27 08:15 编辑
Player Ratings: Barcelona 5-0 Almeria
Barca brushed Almeria aside in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Goal.com rates the players on show...
By Robin Bairner
José Pinto Colorado 6.5
Given a rare chance to impress in the starting XI, the goalkeeper enjoyed a relatively simple night. Called into pressing action just before the break, when he tipped away a dangerous Crusat shot, and was also quick to react when Pique sold him short with a backpass.
Maxwell 7.0
Faced with Pablo Piatti, arguably Almeria’s greatest threat in attack, the Brazilian was content to play a rather conservative match. Didn’t push on particularly often, but that shouldn’t be taken as a criticism. Did a sound defensive job and made way for Milito late on.
Gerard Piqué 7.0
One short backpass to Pinto nearly left the goalkeeper in trouble, but this was an error drawn from complacency. Goitom offered some threat for Almeria, but it was largely well contained by Pique, who will nevertheless have better evenings.
Éric Abidal 7.0
Stepped into the team in place of the injured Carles Puyol and made an indifferent start to the match. A little sloppy early on, the Frenchman steadied himself on what was to prove a comfortable evening.
Adriano 6.5
Had something of a nightmare against Betis a week ago and didn’t look completely convincing on Wednesday evening either. Tested defensively by Crusat, the former Sevilla man looked more comfortable pushing forward.
Xavi 8.0
Continues to justify his reputation as one of the best players in the modern game. Utterly dominated the game in the centre of the park, setting up David Villa’s goal with a stunning burst. Offered several other moments of top class vision, the earliest of which was a tremendous raking pass that set Messi clear. Given a 17 minute break at the end.
Javier Mascherano 7.0
The holding midfielder was a little surplus to requirements as his comrades in the centre of the pitch dominated the game. Mustered a second half shot from 25 yards that required a good save.
Andrés Iniesta Luján Top of the Match 7.5
Another key component of Barcelona’s side gave a characteristic performance of the highest quality. Took over the captaincy when Xavi went off, and along with his regular midfield cohort, he was responsible for the home side’s dominance throughout.
Pedro 7.5
Marked his 100th appearance for the Blaugrana with a rare headed goal. Posed a threat down the right every time he was in possession, though Barca tended to prefer the left hand flank to attack down.
Lionel Messi 8.5
Enjoyed another magnificent evening, entertaining the crowd with a serious of clever flicks and tricks, not to mention a couple of goals. His first strike may not have been of the highest quality, but the second was neat and there could have been others. A tremendous first half dribble, for instance, nearly ended with a memorable goal. Produced a wonderful pass for Keita to score.
David Villa 8.0
Once again played from the left hand side of the attacking trio, this was no handicap for Villa to score yet another goal. The ex-Valencia man will find the net in more aesthetically pleasing fashion, but he was a persistent threat, getting in behind Macedo with regularity and causing the visiting rearguard real headaches.
• Substitutions
Seydou Keita 6.5
Given the last quarter of an hour in place of Xavi.
Ibrahim Afellay 7.0
Nearly created a goal for Pedro only moments after coming on to replace David Villa, this was a very promising cameo.
Gabriel Milito N/A
Played a handful of minutes at the end of the match. |
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