FC Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid, 2016 Champions League: Player Ratings

Despite Atletico’s attacking prowess, ter Stegen wasn’t necessarily tested much, especially in the second half when he was for the large part a mere spectator. He was busier in the first time when he made a couple of good saves, especially the one on Antoine Griezmann was brilliant, but he couldn’t prevent Barcelona from giving up the away goal. It’s tough to blame ter Stegen for the goal, but I’m sure he would like to have another crack at Fernando Torres’ shot which beat him through the legs.

After a poor game against Real Madrid Alves returned with a masterclass. Alves was a key contributor on both Barcelona goals, both times with accurate crosses – on the first his cross preceded Alba’s assist while on the second goal the Brazilian picked up the assist. Overall Alves had a very good day crossing the ball as he almost picked up an assist early in the game but Neymar’s couldn’t direct his header on goal. Defensively Alves wasn’t tested much, but when he was he performed admirably.

Similarly to Alves, Alba improved massively compared to his showing in the El Clasico. Continually Alba put in the hard work on the left side of the Barcelona attack, trying to create mismatches in the Atletico defense and he was rewarded for it when he, rather fortuitously picked up an assist on Barcelona’s opener. Alba did at times struggle in defense, but he was solid enough to leave the damage to a minimum.

A strong defensive performance from Busquets and he played a pivotal role in the outcome of the match as he was the man fouled for Torres’ second yellow. Busquets’ main job was to keep the ball in Atlético’s half and he did this through accurate passing, strong tackles and well timed interceptions.

Rakitić was pushed further forward as an attempt to give Messi space deeper in the field and he did well there. He created a chance and managed to get a shot away but as the player to feature in the most games this season, he visibly began to tire in the latter stages of the game. He was subsequently replaced by Rafinha just after the hour mark.

A frustrating game for Messi who was once again playing in a deeper role but that massively limited his operating space in Atletico's very congested middle. Still, Messi managed to get off a couple of good shots - but with no success. His best chance came on an overhead kick in the second half on which he was unlucky that the ball missed the target by mere inches.

Seemingly on the move the entire 90+ minutes, Neymar was always trying to get open or trying to make a move on the ball to create space - to mixed results. Sent some very good shots on goal, even hitting the crossbar with a lovely right-footed try, but should've done better with his headed chances. While Neymar's style of play will always lead to many turnovers, he has to do better to limit them as turning the ball over 10 times is simply too much.

Making his long awaited return after a long-term injury, Rafinha did look a little bit rusty, but that's expected after a layoff of over six months. Brought energy to the pitch though and Lucho is surely very happy to have Rafinha available for selection again.

Introduced late in the game to spell Busquets, Roberto looked calm in midfield but didn't have enough time to be given a full rating.

Arda came on with little time left and didn't have enough time to make an impression that would warrant a full rating.

Lucho went with the same ten outfielders as he did against Real Madrid, with Messi again spending a large amount of time in midfield, and Barcelona struggled to get anything going against a disciplined Atletico defense in the first half. Slight tactical kinks, coupled with Torres' expulsion, led to a much improved second half, but Lucho will have to think long and hard if using Messi in such a midfield role is best for Barcelona.