First-half goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona record a 3-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League this evening.
The in-form pair both registered in what was a dominant first-half performance from the home side.
Ajax had one back late on in the second half through Anwar El Ghazi, but the scoring was not finished as Sandro Ramirez struck a third for the Spanish team in stoppage time.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Group F rivals.
Match statistics
BARCA
Shots: 17
On target: 6
Possession: 58%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10
AJAX
Shots: 9
On target: 1
Possession: 42%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 17
Was the result fair?
In truth, it would have been a travesty if Barcelona had not claimed all three points this evening. That said, they were almost made to pay for a slack second-half performance. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the home side should have been four or five goals ahead at the interval such was their dominance, with Ajax struggling to make their mark on the match. Barca continued to dominate possession in the second half, but the visitors certainly carried more of an attacking threat. A late Ajax goal made the home supporters sweat, but it would have been a big surprise if a second arrived from the Dutch team. Overall, it was a deserved and fairly routine home three points for the La Liga leaders.
Barcelona's performance
Barcelona were just irresistible in the first period as they passed Ajax off the pitch and as mentioned, they should have had all three points sewn up after 45 minutes. Goals were scored by Neymar and Messi, but Pedro rattled the post and Andres Iniesta failed to score after dancing into the box. Chances were fewer and far between in the second period, while their tempo dropped when Neymar and Messi were both withdrawn ahead of the Clasico. There were a few nervy defensive moments in the second period, none more so than when Ajax found a late goal. That said, the Catalan outfit were always in charge of proceedings and it was another of their sensational young talents, Sandro, that scored a third late on. There are still some things to work on, but it was a positive night for Luis Enrique's side, who travel to Ajax in their next Champions League match early next month.
Ajax's performance
In truth, Ajax did not play for 45 minutes. They spent much of the first period on the back foot in a desperate attempt to keep the score down. Barcelona managed to score twice and it did appear that the same pattern would continue in the second half. The Dutch side did improve after the break, however, and managed to keep better possession of the ball. That said, the fact that their goal came from their only shot on target is an indication of their troubles. It was a decent performance, especially in the second period, but there was not a period of the match where they really threatened to cause serious problems. They beat Barcelona in Amsterdam in the group stages last season, however, so will be confident ahead of the return match.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lionel Messi: Another night, more of the same from Messi. The Argentine is now just two goals away from the Champions League scoring record after netting his side's second of the evening. The attacker also continued his fine assist record - setting up Neymar for Barca's. Enrique showed strength to substitute Messi in the second period, meanwhile, and there were no complaints from the World Cup finalist.
Biggest gaffe
Gerard Pique had a couple of very uncomfortable moments this evening. The Barcelona centre-back has not been in the best form this season and had another shaky night. His biggest gaffe occurred in the second period, when he attempted to cut out a cross from the left, but instead clipped one just high of his own crossbar. Will he be selected for the Clasico this weekend?
Referee performance
William Collum had a busy night at the Camp Nou, issuing four yellows in what was a feisty affair at times. The Scot was guilty of being too picky during the first period, but he did allow the play to flow in the second 45 minutes. Overall, neither manager would have had any complaints about the referee's performance in Barcelona.
What next?
Barcelona: Barca have the small matter of the Clasico against Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday evening. Their next Champions League match is away to Ajax on November 5.
Ajax: The Dutch outfit also return to domestic action this weekend when they welcome Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday evening. As mentioned, they welcome Barcelona in their next European clash on November 5.
Matt Law
