Player Ratings: Granada 1-3 Barcelona

Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were all on the scoresheet as Barcelona beat Granada 3-1 in La Liga on Saturday.

Fran Rico netted from the penalty spot for Granada early in the second period to cut the score to 2-1, but Messi's close-range strike 20 minutes from time killed off the challenge of the spirited hosts.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed.

GRANADA

Goal

Oier Olazabal: Might be a little disappointed with his part in Barca's third, but the Spaniard made some excellent saves, with a late one from Messi in particular quite brilliant. (6/10)

Defence

Allan Nyom: Kept Neymar awfully quiet during a strong defensive performance. Not too much down the other end, but can be pleased with his overall work. (7/10)

Juan Cala: His poor defensive clearance allowed Rakitic to open the scoring, while the experienced centre-back was also a little untidy in possession of the ball. (5/10)

Jean-Sylvain Babin: Helped frustrate the Barcelona attack for long spells of the first period, but looked a little flat-footed when the tempo rose in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)

Dimitri Foulquier: Did not really have a direct attacker to mark due to Messi's movement, but the Frenchman had a decent match without pulling up too many tress. (6/10)

Midfield

Fran Rico: Showed excellent nerve to convert from the penalty spot early in the second period. Had a good match despite seeing little of the ball for long spells. (6/10)

Manuel Iturra: The Chilean was bright and busy in the middle of the park, but he, like a number of his teammates, found it difficult when Barca turned up the pressure. (6/10)

Javi Marquez: Quite comfortably his side's best player in the first period, with the midfielder testing Claudio Bravo on a couple of occasions. Surprisingly withdrawn after 67 minutes. (7/10)

Attack

Lass Bangoura: Won his side's penalty during a lively performance. Caused a lot of problems with his pace, but the end product needed to be better. (6/10)

Jhon Cordoba: Had little joy as the lone forward. Got caught offside on too many occasions and was eventually replaced by Isaac Success in the second period. (5/10)

Robert Ibanez: On-loan Valencia winger, who is highly-rated, showed some nice touches in the opening 10 minutes or so, but he faded badly as the match progressed. (5/10)

Substitutes

Ruben Rochina: Tested Bravo with a long-range strike, but not too much else. (6/10)

Isaac Success: Only given the final 12 minutes and found it difficult to make an impression due to Barcelona's dominance of possession. (5/10)

Daniel Candeias: Joined Granada on loan from Nurnberg last month, but has found it difficult to influence proceedings during the early stages of his La Liga career. (5/10)

BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Was well beaten from the penalty spot, but did make some smart saves when called into action. Another strong and confident display from the Chilean. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Remains in the team despite his contract situation at the Camp Nou. Not too much going forward, but dealt with the tricky Lass for the most part. (6/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Was not too troubled by Cordoba, but the Frenchman must be credited for a strong and composed performance at the heart of the back four. (6/10)

Marc Bartra: Brought Lass to the ground with a poor challenge for the penalty. That said, the Spaniard had a decent afternoon for the Catalan outfit. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Rarely puts in a bad performance for Barca and that was again the case here. Always available in the final third and strong at the back once again. (7/10)

Midfield

Javier Mascherano: Slotted into central midfield, but did finish the game at centre-back. Passing was good, but the Argentine was not really challenged for long spells. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Opened the scoring with a close-range finish, before setting up Suarez for goal number two. Very impressive afternoon's work from the Croatian. (8/10)

Xavi: Brought into the team in place of Andres Iniesta and the veteran had a decent afternoon without making too much of an impression. Kept things ticking in a central area. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Has had a great season, but has been a little off the boil in recent games. Worked hard in a wide area, but had little impact in terms of harming Granada. (6/10)

Lionel Messi: Always busy and always threatening, the Argentine got his name on the scoresheet once again in the second half. Should have had another late on. (7/10)

Luis Suarez: Scored his side's second of the match, before setting up Messi for goal number three. Now looking every inch a Barcelona player. (8/10)

Substitutes

Rafinha: Slotted into central midfield for the final 25 minutes and showed some nice touches. (6/10)

Sergio Busquets: Replaced Mathieu after 75 minutes, allowing Mascherano to revert to centre-back. Had little to do in terms of protecting his back four. (6/10)

Pedro: Only given the final 10 minutes, but provided a couple of excellent crosses. (6/10)