Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as Barcelona took Sporting Gijon apart at Camp Nou on Wednesday. Paco Alcacer, Ivan Rakitic and a Juan Rodriguez own goal completed a 6-1 rout, with Sporting's lone goal coming from Carlos Castro. Upon the conclusion of the match, Barca manager Luis Enrique confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

Positives

The fight for the title goes on. Despite all the noise that has surrounded the club following their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Barcelona are now on an 18-game unbeaten run in La Liga and have won their last five matches in the league. That's all they can do if they want to keep the pressure on Real Madrid.

Negatives

Barca were caught in defence on a couple of occasions, especially in the first half. While they were only punished once, PSG may not be as generous during next week's Champions League tie. Luis Enrique's side not only need to score five against the Ligue 1 champions, but they can ill-afford to concede, either.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Another bold team selection from Luis Enrique, who had his side lining up 3-4-3 with the ball and 4-4-2 without it, with Sergio Busquets dropping in alongside Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano moving out to right-back. It was also a wise move to give Suarez and Messi 45 and 30 minute breathers respectively.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 -- Could do little about the goal and was rarely involved other than that. So often Barca's hero in recent weeks, he wasn't really needed here.

DF Javier Mascherano, 7 -- Was tasked with forming a back three at times and filling in as a right-back at others in his first game back from injury. Created the opening goal for Messi with a lovely chipped pass and will be happy to be back in actIon.

DF Samuel Umtiti, 7 -- Was composed in possession and showed maturity and flexibility with his ability to adapt and perform in several different formations. Was the only natural centre-back in the side here and his use of the ball was impressive.

DF Jordi Alba, 6 -- Was prevented from getting forward as much as he would usually like in Barca's system. However, he looked to get involved as much as possible and never stopped running.

MF Sergio Busquets, 5 -- Sat at the bottom of Barcelona's midfield with the ball, but without it he dropped in alongside Umtiti to form a 4-4-2 formation. Once again made several misplaced passes and his form, which did improve before Christmas, has once again become a real concern. Better in the second half.

MF Ivan Rakitic, 6 -- Was a bit lost in a first half, which was dominated by Barca's defenders passing between themselves and the front three going about their business at the other end. Came more into the game after the break, coming close to scoring Barca's sixth goal from distance before eventually striking from close range.

MF Denis Suarez, 6 -- Was much improved in the second half after a quiet showing in the first period. Has so much quality on the ball and one drop of his shoulder deceived the whole Sporting backline, but Luis Enrique's challenge is getting him to perform at a high level on a regular basis.

MF Rafinha, 5 -- Wasted the best chances that came his way in the box, dragging one shot (or was it a cross?) out for a throw in. Also struggled to link up with the front three.

FW Lionel Messi, 8 -- Scored a goal, created another and hit the woodwork, yet you still weren't left with the impression that this was necessarily a vintage Messi performance. He should have his own rating system. Opened the scoring with a deft header, created Alcacer's goal and almost scored with what could possibly be described as a chipped effort from a free kick, only to be denied by the frame of the goal.

FW Luis Suarez, 7 -- Got lucky with Barca's second goal, beating the offside trap before forcing himself too wide, only for his dragged shot to be turned into the goal by Rodriguez. There was no luck about his finish later in the first half, though, a thumping volley that whacked against the post on its way in. Was taken off at half-time.

FW Neymar, 8 -- Amazingly his goal here (a brilliant free kick) was his first in the league at Camp Nou this season. That suggests he's struggled to perform, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Was once again electric at times against Sporting, although he lacked a finishing touch in front of goal before his free kick. Produced a lovely pass in the build-up to Barca's second goal as well.

Substitutes

FW Paco Alcacer, 7 -- Scored his second league goal for the club just four minutes after coming on for Suarez at the break.

MF Andre Gomes, 6 -- Came on for Messi for the final half an hour and was involved in the build-up to the final goal.

MF Sergi Roberto, N/R -- Was a late introduction for Rafinha and set up Rakitic's goal.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by SAMUEL MARSDEN

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