Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash at Camp Nou pitted four-time European champions Barcelona against Dutch outfit Ajax.
Lionel Messi's 60th Champions League goal moved Barcelona into the lead after 22 minutes, but Ajax had opportunities to level in an entertaining first period.
Messi made it 2-0 after 55 minutes, before Gerard Pique extended the lead with a header 20 minutes from time. Messi was not finished, however, as he completed his hat-trick with another cool finish after 75 minutes.
Ajax had the opportunity to score a consolation in the latter stages from the penalty spot, but Kolbeinn Sigthorsson's effort was pushed wide by Victor Valdes.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics:
Barcelona:
Shots: 12
On target: 7
Possession: 56%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11
Ajax:
Shots: 8
On target: 6
Possession: 44%
Corners:
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
There is no question that Barcelona deserved to claim all three points this evening, but they were not four goals better than Ajax, who certainly had their moments. The away side might have levelled with a couple of half-chances in the latter stages of the first period, but they were simply undone by the quality of a certain Argentine in the second half. Despite the heavy defeat, Ajax can be pleased with their overall performance at Camp Nou.
Barcelona's performance
Again, it was not really vintage Barcelona, but they won 4-0, which is a scary thought for the rest of Europe. In truth, the Spanish outfit struggled to create openings in the first period, but that changed after the interval with the Dutch side tiring under the constant pressure. Messi will take the headlines as usual, but it was also an impressive performance from Neymar, who is starting to show the type of form that makes him the most exciting youngster in world football.
Ajax's performance
Not many teams will command 44% of the possession against Barcelona, let alone at Camp Nou, but Ajax did not really do enough in advanced areas this evening. Their best spell came in the latter stages of the first period, where a goal might have changed the course of the match. That said, how they fare in this group will not depend on this result.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lionel Messi: Not to be outperformed by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi also struck three times in the Champions League this evening. He has now scored 62 goals in European competition and 43 in his last 41 games Champions League matches. His partnership with Neymar was also a particular highlight.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Lerin Duarte had a wonderful chance to level for Ajax in the latter stages of the first period, but he fired his effort straight at Valdes from close range. It would have given the Dutch outfit something to hold onto in the second period.
Referee performance
Svein Moen had a successful 90 minutes of action this evening. Despite a number of challenges flying in from both sides, the 34-year-old looked to his pocket just twice. Moen was hardly seen at Camp Nou, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit resume domestic duties this weekend with a trip to Rayo Vallecano.
Ajax: Ajax also return to league action this weekend with an away match against PSV Eindhoven.
Matt Law
