Jose Manuel Pinto 7.0
The back-up keeper started a little shakily, but after that early mistake, he was solid as a rock. Perhaps he could have been more commanding with the crosses into the box, but his saves to deny Hospitalet from the free-kick, and then the Marc Pedraza shot were excellent.
Jonathan Dos Santos 6.5
I was slightly disappointed with the Mexican yesterday, as given his usual role in midfield; I expected that he would get forward a lot more. Despite Hospitalet’s defensive outlook he only ventured forward a few times and to little effect. However, he was solid defensively, which is a plus.
Carles Puyol 7.0
Another fine showing from the captain. Impenetrable at the back and unlucky not to score with his header that ricocheted off the post it was a good 90 minute work-out for Puyol.
Andreu Fontas 7.0
Surprisingly good from Fontas, he didn’t even make a terrible mistake! He used his strength to great effect on more than one occasion and his distribution was excellent. If he carries on like this, he may find himself getting a few more minutes.
Maxwell 7.0
The Brazilian practically played on the left-wing yesterday, also slotting in as an extra midfielder at times. He played as I suspected JDS would, combining well with the attacking players to create the odd chance.
Seydou Keita 6.0
Keita was so lucky not to be booked last night, persistently fouling the Hospitalet players, losing out in physical battles and giving the ball away. It was not his best display, but he nearly scored a screamer along the way. Slightly bi-polar from the Malian, he would benefit from a chance in the centre of midfield instead of this holding role.
Cesc Fabregas 5.0
We paid €30 million plus for this? Considering his undoubted talent, we all thought Cesc would shine in this match, but he never got going. He looked disinterested, and really should have scored considering the wealth of chances that fell his way. Hopefully a one-off, one would expect Guardiola to have a word with him about that performance.
Andres Iniesta 8.0
A return to form for the mercurial midfielder. His goal was sheer brilliance, and a timely reminder to all La Liga teams allowing Barcelona long shots. Once again he exhibited superb control to evade challenges, and his passing may have been a little off, but we can chalk that down to the artificial pitch.
Xavi Hernandez 7.0
In truth, Xavi should have been rested for this match. He is playing well, but is not at his best and with the packed schedule ahead it will be difficult for him to properly recover from any niggling injuries. As always he kept possession well, though he maybe should have taken a few more shots.
Cristian Tello 7.0
A decent showing from the young winger, he displayed his lightening pace on numerous occasions, but was let down by his teammates who failed to get on the end of his crosses. Barely taking a shot, he is definitely a true winger, but don’t expect him to be challenging Isaac Cuenca or Pedro anytime soon.
David Villa 7.5
My only criticism is that he did not score a goal. He had plenty of chances, but Moragon was in fine form to deny him that elusive goal though in truth, he could have done better with a few of those opportunities. Villa looked more comfortable in the middle, but when Messi returns, he will be back on the left.
Substitutes:
Sergio Busquets 6.5
Better than Keita that’s for sure, but he did not have a lot to do in his time on the pitch.
Rafinha Alcantara 6.5
It was nice to see him get a run-out, and he showed flashes of his potential. Clearly a more powerful player than his brother, it was interesting to watch him hold the ball-up, though he did go too easily on one instance, whether it was because of the pitch or something else, I do not know.
Andrès Iniesta wonderful goal vs Hospitalet (via belkadimus999)
They got the job done, but really should have run up a bigger score-line to emphasis the gulf in quality. Not only that, but the cutting edge was lacking, and we settled for far too many long shots. When all is said and done, it was just a professional performance from the Blaugrana.
Follow Barca Blaugranes on your preferred social network:
Follow me on: