It was a disappointing night for Juventus, especially in defence, as Football Italia rate the performance in Barcelona.
Words: Barney Lloyd-Wood
Gianluigi Buffon: 6
Even legends know when they are outmatched: So often complimentary of the great Lionel Messi, Gigi found himself sat down by two stunning goals from the little magician, another from Ivan Rakitic. He kept the hosts at bay initially with some fine saves, but could do little to stop the onslaught.
Mattia De Sciglio: 4
It was a disappointing night for Juventus, especially in defence, as Football Italia rate the performance in Barcelona.
Words: Barney Lloyd-Wood
Gianluigi Buffon: 6
Even legends know when they are outmatched: So often complimentary of the great Lionel Messi, Gigi found himself sat down by two stunning goals from the little magician, another from Ivan Rakitic. He kept the hosts at bay initially with some fine saves, but could do little to stop the onslaught.
Mattia De Sciglio: 4
The full back actually had one of Juve’s best chances in the first half, but almost gifted Ousmane Dembele a goal and found himself subbed off through injury five minutes before half time.
Andrea Barzagli: 4
The game-plan for the experienced defender would’ve been to suppress and frustrate. But the relentless Barca attack proved to be too much to handle, so three goals conceded and a booking meant it was a long night for backline.
Medhi Benatia: 4
A similar story to his centre-back partner. Standing firm is fine when you don’t have the legs, but the fast and unpredictable Barca front three proved to be the harshest of tests for the traditionally impenetrable Old Lady defence.
Alex Sandro: 5
Early on in the first half, the Brazilian looked to be at his best, aiding swift counter-attacks. Yet, in truth the left,back had a nightmare of an evening up against the rapid Ousmane Dembele.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 6
A good experience for the young Uruguayan making his Champions League debut. Some promising touches and exciting passes show there may be more to come on the continental stage from the surprise starter.
Miralem Pjanic: 7
Not that a trip to Camp Nou would define a midfielder who struggled anyway, but the Bosnian put in a composed performance. His best football came during the first half where at one stage it looked an open game. Like his teammates, the longer the game dragged on, the more the creative spark seemed to fade.
Blaise Matuidi: 6
With sufficient Champions League experience (as well as some tough trips to Camp Nou in his career), Matuidi did put in a solid shift despite the defeat. Nearly found himself latching on to a big sight of goal in the first half, were it not for some desperate defending.
Douglas Costa: 7
Arguably Juve’s best player on the night. The electrifying winger looked dangerous at every opportunity and actually highlighted a key battle in the game up against Barca right-back Nelson Semedo.
Gonzalo Higuain: 5
The former Real Madrid man got a frosty reception as he departed as a late sub – he did not struggle with the pace during counter-attacks in the first half, but the shift of momentum for the home team meant he was increasingly more of a spectator.
Paulo Dybala: 6
The man hotly tipped, somewhat nauseatingly so, to be the new Messi could not replicate the form of his master in this game. He looked at his best before the home side opened the scoring. Subsequently, the second half found him isolated and dropping increasingly further away from opposition territory.
Subs:
Stefano Sturaro: 4
Perhaps one day he will be grateful for the learning curve of being thrown into such an unforgiving kind of match. Though after coming on for the injured De Sciglio, Sturaro failed to make much significant impact, or indeed keep the mesmerising Catalans at bay.
Federico Bernardeschi: 3
Another in unfamiliar territory. Put on at 3-0 to try and get back some creative spark, early signs showed his youthful energy and desire. But it was too little too late, eventually blowing a big chance to make it 3-1.
Fabrizio Caligara: N/A
What an experience for the young man. Never enough time to make any real impact, but featuring at all will be more of a help than a hindrance for the late sub.