MX23RW : Saturday, February 8 03:57:40| >> :120:3699:3699:
[monks data]
Ajax
Champions League | Group Stage
Nov 5, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-1)
Messi (36', 76')

Player Ratings: Ajax 0-2 Barcelona

Sports Mole takes a look at each individual player's performance during Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League win over Ajax in Amsterdam.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Ajax 2-0 in the Champions League this evening.

The brace from the Argentine moved him onto 71 Champions League goals - level with former Real Madrid striker Raul.

Meanwhile, the three points for the visitors secured their spot in the next round and eliminated Ajax in the process.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the Group F clash.


Ajax's Joel Veltman receives a second yellow card during the UEFA Champions League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona in Amsterdam, on November 5, 2014© Getty Images

AJAX

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Made some smart saves, especially in the early stages and again late on, but was at fault for the first goal when he failed to collect a looping cross. (6/10)

Defence

Ricardo Van Rhijn: Was fortunate to escape a booking after a number of late challenges, but did well to quell the threat of Neymar while the Brazilian was on the field. (6/10)

Joel Veltman: Put his team in trouble late on after seeing red 20 minutes from time. Should have known better than to lunge at Messi while on a booking. (5/10)

Nicklas Moisander: Was one of three Ajax players to pick up a booking in the first period, but did a decent job marking Luis Suarez, who drifted inside as the match advanced. (6/10)

Nicolai Boilesen: Had to deal with Suarez in the first period and largely impressed against the Uruguay international. However, the full-back was not seen as an attacking threat. (6/10)

Midfield

Davy Klaasen: Did his best to swamp the Barca midfield in the first period and largely performed that job well, but he faded in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)

Thulani Sereno: His side's best player on the night. Made things happen from a deep position and caused Barca problems with his power in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Lucas Andersen: Came close with a couple of attempts in the first period, but failed to find the back of the net. Was withdrawn 20 minutes from time. (6/10)

Attack

Anwar El Ghazi: Always looked capable of making something happen in the final third, but let frustration get the better of him in the second period. (7/10)

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson: Struggled to influence proceedings in Amsterdam. Had some bright moments in the first period, but was withdrawn just past the hour mark. (6/10)

Lasse Schone: Another that threatened the Barcelona defence with his quality from wide positions, but like a number of his teammates, went missing in the second period. (7/10)

Substitutes

Arkadiusz Milik: Hit the post with a header moments after entering the field. Looked very lively in the final third and certainly caused Barca problems. (7/10)

Jairo Riedewald: Was introduced to provide cover after Veltman was sent from the field, but could not prevent his side conceding a second goal. (6/10)

Stefano Denswil: Did not enter until the 80th minute and therefore had little time to influence the match. (6/10)


Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona in Amsterdam, on November 5, 2014© Getty Images

BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Did not have much to do in terms of saves, but looked very competent in possession of the ball. Seems to be settling with each passing match. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Was caught out of position on a number of occasions in the first period, but did improve as the match advanced and offered an attacking threat of his own. (6/10)

Marc Bartra: Preferred to Gerard Pique this evening and vindicated his manager's decision. Looked calm and composed at the heart of the back four. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: Has been his side's best defender all season and that continued in this match. Never looked flustered as he controlled his area of the field. (7/10)

Jordi Alba: Should have scored in the first period, but his effort was straight at Cillessen. Caused Ajax problems in attack and was also sound at the back. (7/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Took an early knock from El Ghazi and then struggled in the first period, but proved a more calming presence in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)

Xavi: Handed a start due to Andres Iniesta's absence, but did not make much of an impact. Tidy in possession of the ball, but struggled to drive his team forward. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Produced a couple of brilliant passes in the first period, but largely struggled to make his mark. Needs to be performing at a slightly higher level. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Had a decent first period as he linked with Messi in attack, but the Brazilian faded in the second half and was replaced by Pedro after 75 minutes. (6/10)

Lionel Messi: Once again the main attraction for Barcelona. Scored twice on the night, with his second moving him onto 71 Champions League goals. (8/10)

Luis Suarez: Worked harder than anyone in a wide area, but fluffed his golden chance in the second period after being put through on goal by Messi. (6/10)

Substitutes

Pedro: Replaced Neymar after 75 minutes and made an instant impact - setting up Messi's second goal with an excellent low cross. Brilliant cameo from the Spaniard. (7/10)

Rafinha: Only had 10 minutes on the field, but showed some nice touches in the middle of the park as he linked with Messi and Suarez. (6/10)

Adriano: Replaced Alves after 83 minutes, but saw little of the ball. (6/10)


ID:186763: cacheID:186763:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9116:
Written by
Matt Law
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona in Amsterdam, November 5, 2014
Read Next:
Record-equalling Messi sends Barcelona through
>
Read more about Lionel Messi Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
QLiverpool870121
QInter Milan861119
QBarcelona861119
QArsenal861119
QAtletico860218
QB. Leverkusen851216
QAston Villa851216
QLille851216
9Real Madrid850315
10AC Milan850315
11Atalanta843115
12Dortmund850315
13Bayern850315
14PSV842214
15Benfica841313
16Feyenoord841313
17PSG841313
18Monaco841313
19Brest841313
20Juventus833212
21Celtic833212
22Man City832311
23Sporting Lisbon832311
24Brugge832311
25Dinamo Zagreb832311
26Stuttgart831410
27Shakhtar82157
28Bologna81346
29Red Star82066
30Sturm Graz82066
31Sparta Prague81164
32RB Leipzig81073
33Girona81073
34Salzburg81073
35Slovan Bratislava80080
36Young Boys80080


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!