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Roma logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Sep 16, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

1-1

Florenzi (31')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Suarez (21')

Player Ratings: Roma 1-1 Barcelona

Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed during Roma's 1-1 draw with Barcelona in their Champions League Group E opener.

Roma came from behind to draw 1-1 with Barcelona in their Champions League Group E opener on Wednesday.

A Luis Suarez header handed the visitors a 21st-minute lead in Rome.

However, a 60-yard strike from Alessandro Florenzi levelled the scores 10 minutes later and that was where the scoring finished in the European tie.

Here, Sports Mole has taken a closer look at how each player performed in Rome.


Alessandro Florenzi (L) with his teammate Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on September 16, 2015© Getty Images

ROMA

Goal

Wojciech Szczesny: Made some smart saves in the first period and indeed early in the second, but was forced off in the 50th minute with a hand injury following a clash with Suarez. (7/10)

Defence

Alessandro Florenzi: Scored one of the all-time great Champions League goals when he found the back of the net from 60 yards to level the scores. Proved a threat down the right all evening. (8/10)

Antonio Rudiger: Was a little sloppy in possession at times, but the German's overall performance was of a very high level. Used his strength and power to keep Barcelona's attack in check. (8/10)

Kostas Manolas: Alongside Rudiger, had a strong game at the heart of the defence. Was prepared to use the ball when possible and was also strong in the challenge. (7/10)

Lucas Digne: Not as involved as Florenzi on the opposite side and was a little weak in the build-up to Barcelona's opener. That said, he recovered to produce a strong second-half performance. (7/10)

Midfield

Radja Nainggolan: Came close to sending Roma ahead with a stinging drive late in the first period and made some vital clearances late on. A real all-action performance from the Belgian. (8/10)

Seydou Keita: Provided legs and energy against his former club. Perhaps should have been a bit more willing to support his forward players, but still had a solid game in Rome. (7/10)

Daniele de Rossi: Man-of-the-match performance from the skipper, who led by example. Was everywhere in his own half as he made challenge after challenge to stem the flow of pressure. (8/10)

Attack

Iago Falque: Did not really burst into life until the final 15 minutes, when he fired two efforts over the crossbar. Overall, had a difficult night and was replaced late on by Juan Iturbe. (6/10)

Edin Dzeko: It is never easy leading the line against a team that dominates possession, but the striker never stopped working and managed to win a number of important free kicks. (7/10)

Mohamed Salah: Caused Barcelona all sorts of problems with his pace in the early stages and indeed whenever he had the chance to run. Disappointing end product, but still had a good night. (7/10)

Substitutes

Morgan de Sanctis: Made a couple of really smart saves late on during a period where Barcelona were threatening to move ahead. Did well to immediately pick up the pace of the game. (7/10)

Juan Iturbe: Replaced Falque for the final 10 minutes, but struggled to get into the game such was Barcelona's domination of the ball in the Roma half. (6/10)

Vasilis Torosidis: Made a couple of crunching challenges on Suarez late on. (6/10)


Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) shots the ball next to Roma's midfielder from Italy Daniele De Rossi (L) during the UEFA Champions League football match AS Roma vs FC Barcellona at Rome Olympic stadium, on September 16, 2015© Getty Images

BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Made a couple of smart saves, including one from Nainggolan late in the first period, but his position for the Florenzi strike might well be looked at in a negative light. (6/10)

Defence

Sergi Roberto: Did a fairly good job of keeping Falque quiet for long spells, but struggled to make his mark down the other end. Simply is not in the same class as Dani Alves. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Found it difficult to cope with Salah's pace, but overall, had a strong night. Managed to cope with Dzeko in what was an interesting physical battle between the two players. (7/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Thrown in ahead of Javier Mascherano due to his aerial ability and it proved a good decision from Luis Enrique. Did not really put a foot wrong at the back. (7/10)

Jordi Alba: Had an excellent chance to win it for Barcelona late on, but just could not get enough power on his strike. Was also out-paced by Salah on a number of occasions. (6/10)

Midfield

Andres Iniesta: Always looked capable of making something happen when he picked up the ball in forward areas, but the final pass just was not there for the Spaniard this time. (7/10)

Sergio Busquets: Kept things ticking over in a central position, but was guilty of a few misplaced passes. Nothing much wrong, but no real influence on the match in Rome. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Had a terrific debut season for Barcelona, but has started the new campaign a little slowly. Set up Suarez for the opening goal, but was replaced by Rafinha just past the hour. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Came close with a super effort late on, but did not show enough of his excellence in the final third. Came into the game more late on, but it was still some way short of his best form. (6/10)

Luis Suarez: Opened the scoring in the 21st minute and was a touch unfortunate not to win a penalty four minutes later. Strong in the first half, but did fade a touch after the interval. (7/10)

Lionel Messi: Might not have scored on his 100th Champions League appearance, but was once again Barcelona's best player. Always dangerous as he caused problems inside and outside the Roma box. (8/10)

Substitutes

Rafinha: Came on in the 61st minute, but had to be replaced in the 65th after taking a nasty challenge from Nainggolan. Might now be facing a long period on the sidelines. (6/10)

Javier Mascherano: Replaced Rafinha in the 65th minute and slotted into central midfield. Kept the ball moving during a period where Barcelona were on the front foot. (6/10)


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Alessandro Florenzi (L) with his teammate Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on September 16, 2015
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