Barcelona opened their Champions League Group F campaign with a 1-0 win over APOEL this evening.
The only goal of the match came in the first period, with Gerard Pique heading home a Lionel Messi free kick.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the European affair at the Camp Nou.
BARCELONA
Goal
Marc-Ander ter Stegen: Had his feet up for much of his Barcelona debut, but made a brilliant save late on to deny Gustavo Manduca. Also looked full of confidence in possession of the ball. (7/10)
Defence
Dani Alves: Was on the receiving end of a number of crunching challenges throughout the contest, but provided an energetic display down the right on his return to the team. (7/10)
Gerard Pique: Ultimately proved the match-winner, with his first-half header securing all the points. Did not have too much to worry about in a defensive sense. (7/10)
Marc Bartra: Really needs to nail down a spot in the first XI and did his chances no harm at all with a confident performance at the heart of the back four. (7/10)
Adriano: Was not as much of an attacking threat as Alves, but still provided an outlet in the final third on his first start of the season. (7/10)
Midfield
Xavi: As usual, neat and tidy in possession of the ball. However, the Spaniard did not really take control of the midfield in the same way that he so often does. (6/10)
Sergi Samper: Very encouraging debut for the youngster, who is the latest product of La Masia. Always looked comfortable in possession and was also willing to put himself about in the midfield. (7/10)
Sergi Roberto: Recently signed a new long-term deal at the Camp Nou, but was overshadowed by Samper tonight. Needs to do more in these type of games. (6/10)
Attack
Neymar: Always a danger in the final third with his pace and movement, but was not really his night in front of goal. Had chances, but failed to add to his goal tally for the season. (6/10)
Lionel Messi: Another assist for the Argentine, who set up Pique with a brilliant free kick. However, like Neymar, did not have much luck in front of goal against an impressive defence. (7/10)
Munir El-Haddadi: Had a goal disallowed on another lively showing from the 19-year-old. Looked comfortable at this level of football. (6/10)
Substitutes
Andres Iniesta: Replaced Xavi on the hour mark and created chances for both Messi and Neymar late on. (7/10)
Sandro Ramirez: Another product of La Masia, Sandro certainly made an impact this evening. Came close with an effort that drifted just wide late on, with his pace causing APOEL a host of problems. (7/10)
Rafinha: Replaced Roberto after 79 minutes, but failed to make much of an impact despite showing some nice touches in the final third. (6/10)
APOEL
Goal
Urko Pardo: Very good night the stopper on his return to Barcelona. Made a number of smart saves, including a point-blank effort from Messi late in the first period. (7/10)
Defence
Joao Guilherme: Could not get forward as often as he would have liked, but played his part in a strong defensive performance. (7/10)
Carlao: Recovered from a rash start to produce a man-of-the-match performance. Hardly put a foot wrong in the second half as he dominated his area of the field. (9/10)
Marios Antoniades: Had a solid night overall, but it was his rash challenge on Alves that ultimately led to the Barcelona goal. It was a tackle that did not need to be made. (7/10)
Mario Sergio: Was guilty of conceding possession at times during the second period, but was another that can be pleased with his overall performance against a star-studded attack. (7/10)
Midfield
Tiago Gomes: Former Blackpool midfielder produced a busy performance in the middle of the park, but needed to take just a little bit more care in possession of the ball. (6/10)
Vinicius: A willing worker in the middle of the pitch and was never too far from Xavi. Was one of his side's better players on the night. (7/10)
Nuno Morais: Prepared to put his foot in when needed, but was sloppy in possession, especially in the second period when APOEL had more of the ball. (6/10)
Attack
Efstathios Aloneftis: Provided a nice balance in wide areas, but faded in the second period after a bright opening 45 minutes in Barcelona. (6/10)
Cillian Sheridan: Worked so hard in the final third of the field, but had little joy in terms of chances. Excellent in terms of teamwork, but struggled to make a real impact. (6/10)
Tomas de Vicenti: Had his side's best chance late on after meeting a cross from Manduca, but fluffed his lines. Could have been the hero for APOEL at the Camp Nou. (6/10)
Substitutes
Gustavo Manduca: Made a really good impact for his team. Set up De Vicenti with a brilliant pass late on, before forcing Ter Stegen to make an excellent save. (7/10)
Rafik Djebbour: Found the lone striker role just as tough as Sheridan, but like the former Celtic striker, was also prepared to put the work in for his team. (6/10)
Constantinos Charalambides: Thrown on with 10 minutes remaining as the away side looked for an equaliser, but the club captain could not inspire his team. (6/10)
Matt Law
