Barcelona player ratings: Neymar shines against Athletic Club
Aritz Aduriz and Inaki Williams sent Athletic two goals up before Messi pulled one back in the Copa del Rey last 16 first leg clash in Bilbao
Marc-Andre ter Stegen 5
Two games in one - a stressful first half and bad passing, but total change after the break.
Sergi Roberto 5
Found it tough to find the pulse of the game, with Athletic’s intensity getting on top of him.
Gerard Pique 6
Generally strong, a decent start to the year despite the defeat.
Samuel Umtiti 7
One of the best on the team, despite the goals Barcelona shipped.
Jordi Alba 6
Slow and tired in the first half, but better after the break and combined more with Messi.
Sergio Busquets 5
Some erroneous decisions in the first half, but improved in the second to help the team. Ended up playing practically as a playmaker.
Andres Iniesta 6
Gave the ball away for the first goal, improved as it went on and got between the lines.
Ivan Rakitic 5
Returned to the starting line up but had a grey game. Little influence beyond his defensive work.
Lionel Messi 8
Did not shine at his usual level in the first half but scored a fine free-kick in the second. The goal gave life to Barcelona and the Argentine’s display was key to the team’s improvement.
Neymar 8
Should have earned a penalty in the first half which was not awarded. In the second he looked for goal but did not have luck. Whistled by the San Mames as their players kicked him, with Raul Garcia and Iturraspe sent off for fouls on him.
Luis Suarez 5
No luck here, didn’t have many chances and could not combine with his team-mates much. Tried a chip unsuccessfully towards the end.
Subs: Andre Gomes 5, Paco Alcacer 5.
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