CELTIC
Dorus de Vries – Did well to keep the score down at times with a couple of crucial blocks. Couldn’t do much about the goals as some of them were out of this world. 6
Cristian Gamboa – Could not have been handed a tougher match to make his debut and it was a heck of a hard night for the Costa Rican up with Neymar and Messi ganging up on him. 5
Mikael Lustig – Hard gig as he was hemmed in on the edge of his box for long spells but managed to make a few blocks only for MSN to inevitably find holes. 5
Kolo Toure – Tried to hold things together but it was a holding back the tide job as he was swamped by Barca’s frightening front line. 5
Erik Sviatchenko – Found the Spaniards too hot to handle and the relentess pressure eventually told as the backline lost its shape. Relieved to be replaced. 5
Kieran Tierney – Up against it at the back but occationally tried to get up the pitch and support. Experience will be invaluable though. 6
Scott Brown – Won his fare share of tackles and did his best to shield the backline as well as trying to get Celtic going on the break. 6
Nir Bitton – Decent on the ball but struggled to get much of a foothold on the game as he never had much time to look up and pick a pass. 6
Scott Sinclair – Looked a threat on the counter attack on the rare occasions Celts got up the pitch. Terrific pass for Dembele to win the penalty. 6
Patrick Roberts – Showed the odd neat touch but didn’t get much service and often picked the ball up in his own half. 5
Moussa Dembele – The Old Firm hero had a thankless task but he worked hard only to make a mess of his big chance to net at the Nou Camp when he duffed his spot kick. 5
Subs:
Stuart Armstrong (for Roberts 67) Provided fresh legs, which was handy as he had to do plenty of running around. 4
Eoghan O’Connell (for Sviatchenko 67) Got a taste of the Nou Camp and it doesn’t get much scarier than these guys on form. 4
Callum McGregor (for Bitton 76) Added some energy late on as Celts tried to prevent further pummelling. 4
BARCELONA
Marc Andre Ter Stegen – Keeper gave away a penalty before atoning with a fine block of Dembele’s spot-kick. The German did not have much else to do.
7.
Sergio Roberto – Right-back was always available as an outlet pass.
Defended with speed and agility and was on the front-foot more often than going back. 7.
Gerard Pique – Defender injured his arm early when dumped onto the sidelines by Dembele. It did not stop him from commanding, although he was caught at penalty incident. 7.
Samuel Umtiti – Pacy presence at the back alongside the towering Pique.
Read the gane quickly and managed to nip things in the bud whenever Celtic reached him. 7.
Jordi Alba – Attacking left-back had Roberts on the back foot as he charged into offensive areas. Very quick and dangerous and short-corner routine for opener. 8.
Sergio Busquets – Elegant midfielder took the ball from his back four and moved it with simplicity. Composed and assured during his hour before going off. 7.
Andre Gomes – Neat and tidy in the middle of the park as he helped Rakitic to create opportunities for the attacking players. Little cause for alarm.
7.
Ivan Rakitic – Croatian international was busy in the engine room. Booked for a trip and argument with Brown before Iniesta took his place for the second-half. 5.
Neymar – Brazilian set up the first goal with a delightful reverse pass and that set the tone for a dazzling show. Created three more goals and scored a stunning free-kick. 9.
Lionel Messi – Superb finish for opener. Breathtaking football for the second goal and in the right place to score his hat-trick goal. Another mesmeric display. 9.
Luis Suarez – Menace in the forward line as he dropped off before darting into spaces in behind. Finally got his goals with a sweet volley and tap-in after creating the fifth. 8.
SUBS Andres Iniesta – On for the second half and netted a magnificent volley for the fourth goal. 5.
Rafinha – Took over from Busquets on the hour mark. No sweat. 4.