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La Liga
Aug 29, 2015 at 7.30pm UK
 

1-0

Vermaelen (73')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Player Ratings: Barcelona 1-0 Malaga

Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Malaga in La Liga.

Thomas Vermaelen scored the only goal of the match as Barcelona beat Malaga at the Camp Nou in La Liga on Saturday.

Malaga proved a tough nut to crack for the home side, but Vermaelen's first goal for the Catalan outfit was enough for Luis Enrique's side to make it two wins from two in the league this term.

Malaga, meanwhile, are still without a league goal this season.

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


Thomas Vermaelen in action for Barcelona B on September 24, 2014© Getty Images

BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Did not have a whole lot to do for long spells, but was comfortable claiming high balls and good with his feet. Has regained the goalkeeping position from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (6/10)

Defence

Sergi Roberto: Started at right-back due to Dani Alves's absence and can be pleased with his overall performance. Tidy in possession and strong defensively when needed. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: No-frills performance from the Argentine, who never really looked in any danger. Controlled the tempo from a defensive area in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Thomas Vermaelen: A game to remember for the Belgian following an injury-plagued first season. Scored the winner with a super finish and had a strong game in central defence. (8/10)

Jordi Alba: Still working his way back to full fitness following a spell on the sidelines, but made a sensational last-ditch challenge late on to stop Charles having a clear sight of goal. (7/10)

Midfield

Andres Iniesta: Was criticised for some under-par performances last season, but has started the new campaign very well. Always looked capable of making something happen. (7/10)

Sergio Busquets: Was a serious doubt for this match after limping out of the Bilbao fixture last weekend, but returned to the team and was his usual calm self in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Played a key role in Barcelona's treble success last season, but is struggling for his best form in the early part of the new campaign. Never really got into the match. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Returned to the team following a spell out with mumps and threatened with a strong performance down the left. Linked extremely well with Lionel Messi in the second period. (7/10)

Luis Suarez: Should have won a penalty in the first period and was always buzzing around the box and making something happen. Such a pain to opposition defences in this form. (7/10)

Lionel Messi: Struggled to make his mark in the first 45 minutes, but went up a level in the second period and was the catalyst behind his team's improvement. Just a class act. (7/10)

Substitutes

Rafinha: Replaced the ineffective Rakitic just past the hour and impressed with his ability in possession. Has a lot of class, but does need to produce a little bit more. (6/10)

Sandro Ramirez: Has been elevated into the position of first-choice attacking substitution following Pedro's departure. Only given the final five minutes here though. (6/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Only given the final two minutes. (6/10)


Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (C) vies with Malaga's Brazilian defender Weligton during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Malaga CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 29, 2015© Getty Images

MALAGA

Goal

Carlos Kameni: Had an excellent game between the sticks as he made save after save. Was unfortunate with the goal and can be delighted with his overall performance. (8/10)

Defence

Roberto Rosales: Was always prepared to break forward when the opportunity arrived, while the 26-year-old also did a good job against Neymar. Had a strong game at full-back. (7/10)

Marcos Angeleri: Extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty when he hacked Suarez to the ground late in the first half, but had an excellent match overall, especially after the break. (7/10)

Weligton: Made a good start to the match as he helped resist early pressure, but lasted just 25 minutes after picking up a suspected back injury. Replaced by Raul Albentosa. (6/10)

Miguel Torres: Also fortunate not to concede a penalty late in the first period when he clearly handled inside the box, but recovered to produce a solid second half at the Camp Nou. (7/10)

Midfield

Juan Carlos: Not as involved going forward as he might have liked, but provided a good shield for his full-back. Put in a lot of running and cannot really be faulted. (7/10)

Recio: Did not really move from a defensive role throughout the match and overall, the Spaniard performed to a high level. Can be pleased with his performance in Madrid. (7/10)

Fernando Tissone: Attempted to spoil a number of Barcelona attacks with some strong challenges and did a pretty good job for long spells. Eventually picked up a yellow card late on. (6/10)

Ricardo Horta: Delivered some dangerous crosses during the first period and was prepared to put the work in. Faded in the second half, however, before eventually being replaced. (6/10)

Attack

Nordin Amrabat: Caused Barcelona all sorts of problems in the first period as he moved along the front line. Was surprisingly replaced by Charles at an early stage of the second period. (7/10)

Duje Cop: On-loan Dinamo Zagreb forward did a good job of leading the line at the Camp Nou. Occupied Barcelona's two defenders and helped set up a couple of half-chances. (6/10)

Substitutes

Raul Albentosa: Replaced Weligton in the 25th minute and did very well to pick up the pace of the match. Was prepared to break forward in addition to performing his defensive duties. (7/10)

Charles: Had a glorious chance to level late on after appearing favourite to meet a low cross from the left, but somehow failed to make proper contact and the chance evaporated. (6/10)

Juanpi Anor: Replaced Juan Carlos in the 73rd minute, immediately after Barcelona had taken the lead. Found it difficult to make his mark in the final third of the field. (6/10)


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