Puyol was absolutely amazing today. He always got the ball or the block and never gave time on the ball for the Madrid players.

Puyol wins it for me but you have to mention Iniesta who was immaculate the second half.

You can probably find Iniesta's best performance all season in that second half. He really worked hard and penetrated the Madrid defence well and was always looking for that last pass for the tap in.

Dani Alves once again pretty much monopolized on the right flank worked hard all match did well defensively and was a huge help on the offense especially when we went on counter attacks.

Messi of course had a good game today. Mourinho is already complaining that he should have been red carded but that is pretty absurd, especially since Madrid ended the match with 11 players still.

Messi though was good today, really started us off with his early chance on Iker and was unselfish today. He did a lot of dirty work, ran back to defend a couple of times, pulled off tackles to break down play, as always he moved around to create space. I really want to know what would've happened if that ball didn't hit Pepe though.

The one play where Messi got taken down by Alonso but somehow while falling still got a pass off

Guess I'll make the logo-thingie then, and here's my input:

Valdés: 5. 0
Very shaky throughout the game. His usual top notch cooperation with the defence was shattered with that horrendous mistake early on, and though he was rarely threatened, he always seemed nervous. He cleared Kaká's weak shot in a bizarre manner and was lucky Ronaldo wasted a few great chances.
Dani: 8. 5
What a game from Alves. He was a real menace in attack, and that's not an easy feat when you're up against Madrid's midfield and defence. Hugely important in creating space in the midfield with his marauding runs, provider of that fabulous cross for Cesc's goal, and tracked back well when needed. Fortunate to have Puyol besides him though, because the skipper allowed Dani to take risks and go forward without leaving the defence vulnerable.
Puyol: 9
Just fantastic work from our skipper again. He's one of the best defenders in the history of the game, and a more inspirational leader to fire up the squad, there is not. Always focussed, always on the right place at the right time, sharp in the tackle, great at covering for others.
Piqué: 7. 0
Decent, but not great performance from our biggest playa, both on and off the pitch. A nervous start like everyone, but gradually found his groove, and positioned himself very well to prevent any Madrid player of taking advantage from through balls.
Abi: 6. 5
Was good defensively, but on two occasions he lingered with the ball at his feet as he does so often, and it was taken from him to start a counter-attack. That could've been very costly indeed, and I'm happy for him it turned out to be nothing, mainly thanks to Puyol's perfect example of defending. Did position himself well, and managed to clear a few dangerous balls that fell into the box.
Busi: 7. 5
A defensive midfielder as good on the ball as him probably does not exist. A pivotal man to smother Real's attacks, and he did what he had to do. A few neat touches that probably went unnoticed by most were proof of his Masia background. I also liked he didn't get himself in the picture by going down too easily.
Xavi: 7. 75
A good performance by the General, albeit a somewhat colourless one. In the second half he was instrumental with great passing as always, to defend with possession, but his first half was, as was everyone's, nervous. He misplaced a few passes there, and didn't look too involved. Took the volley that deflected off Marcelo very well and should be accredited with the goal IMO. An own-goal is only an own-goal if the shot was not going to be on target, if it wasn't the deflection. Xavi's was on target, although Casillas would've most likely stopped it fairly easy.
Cesc: 7. 0
A very mixed performance from Cesc. Despite being rather unnoticeable for the majority of the game, he popped up to head Alves' sublime cross home. Cesc is truly great off the ball and so often provides a lethal threat up front. Still: being of the very best players in the world, he was too silent on the midfield today and his passing wasn't as fantastic as it always is.
Don Andrés: 9. 0
Simply brilliant. The magician was phenomenal as always in big games, and he played with such style, such grace, such composure on the ball that it made me wonder if he too is an android like Messi. I was so nervous, sitting here in my comfy chair, and he looked like he was just playing ball in his garden. The only thing that he lacked, was a goal or an assist.
Leo: 8. 0
Say whatever you want: I thought Leo was magic again. You have to rate him as a human, not as Messi. If anyone else did what he did today, we'd all be in awe. He created that first goal out of nothing, with a fabulous run, pass and great balance. Anyone else would've fallen over, but Leo manages to play a perfect through ball to Alexis. He made several other good runs and despite being a bit clumsy defending, he worked like a horse on steroids, especially in the first half, when Madrid were dangerous.
Alexis: 7. 5
Superb work rate, something that can't be stressed enough. His blistering pace and great finish were absolutely vital today. However, all of that whining should be left behind, especially when the ref's already given the foul for us and it wasn't a particularly nasty challenge.

Subs:
Keita: 7. 0
Brought composure and calm in the last 15 minutes: the most stressful period of any game. Did very well linking up with the rest of the team and ensured Real pressure was nullified.
Villa: 5. 0
A very short cameo for Spain's top goalscorer, and didn't do particularly well. Heavy touches made him lose possession twice, and that was the end of that.
Pedro: 5. 5
An even shorter appearance for the man who usually scores crucial goals when he's on, but apart from one moment on the ball, he didn't do anything

Puyol. He's the only one that played excellent the entire match. He was a wall that nobody could get past.

Honorable mentions: Iniesta, Sanchez, Xavi, Busquets, Dani and Messi

I largely agree, except I would not give Cesc more than a 7, and I would give Dani a 9 too. He did not put a foot wrong, especially as it was our strategy today to play with 3 at the back (so was not being irresponsible) and when he needed to be back he was always there. The cross was of course picture perfect.

Anyhoo, Iniesta the man of the match in my book, followed closely by Puyol

Jeroen I think you have a mistake here haha I'm positive that ricochet off Marcelo was actually Xavi not Cesc =/ haha either way I mostly agree with you =P

Lol good point SG. I missed that in first reading

Me and Jeroen spoke about that earlier too. It is cleared up

Just cleared it, and editted Xavi and Cesc's ratings+comments

Man of the Match was Puyol without a doubt, we would have ended up being far more vulnerable without our lion in the back.

Jeroen I can only imagine the high ratings on players who didn't do anything the whole game on that we still ended up winning the game. But Cesc, except for the one good thing he did, was horrible and was completely lost out there. And PK was total s**t, look at his positioning on Benzema in the first goal. Its a good example of what he did the whole game lol. PK gets a 3 in my book for his incompetency and should be replaced with Masch at this point.

I can't get over Puyols performance, he was like our defensive Messi lol

It is easy to do it yourself for future reference.

All you have to do is paste the full link of a picture (should include jpeg or gif at the end of the link)

For me, only two players gave it their all the entire game most just played a great half then a good half. Iniesta and Mascherano were simply amazing! The attacking front is so much more dangerous when Iniesta is directing the game, with Mascherano there to keep the defence solid, especially after our beloved Puyol came off. Great game for sure

Iniesta for me - he was sublime in attack. He should have had a goal too in the end which was inexplicably disallowed

I agree. Iniesta adds an entire dimension to our attack that is lacking otherwise. I hope he scores against Madrid again (a dink over Casillas wil suffice)!

Player of the game is of course La Pulga, but when isn't he?

For me Cuenca has really earned to be Pedro's back up at least until Sanchito is back in the line up (which should be either right before the break or right after the break. I hope Chile rest him so he doesn't have to strain himself.

Cuenca is really coming through and I am super happy he got a goal. What a finish too, really proved he was meant for Barca even though he has been in and out of our programs.

Dani had that phenomenal goal, WOW!

Damn it.... Double post.    Great to see our boys back to old habits! Manita!

Adriano also had a great match. Two assists although the commentators aren't convinced that the pass to Messi was his intent. Anyways that pass was only made possible by Cuenca who was awesome last match as well.

Adriano's assist to Cuenca was very good as well and I thought that Adriano was a little unlucky to not get on the score sheet today.

But to talk about Cuenca. Most of the time La Masia kids don't need to try to fit into the squad but Cuenca has done it flawlessly and already already works so well with the team. He knows which runs Messi will make, he knows where Messi will want the ball etc

I would say Dani Alves. He was perfect yesterday. His goal was jaw-dropping but if you look at his assist to Messi (goal no. 3 I think), that is the kind of assist Beckham got famous for. He owned the right flank, crossed perfectly, and gave us a manita to boot

I'm gonna' have to go with Cuenca on this one, he did a fantastic job and although he didn't score, he left a good impression and imo has earned at least a few more playing roles this season. With our impotence levels almost matching those of last years drought, I have to say more chances on players like Cuenca should be taken

I think there are no doubts as to who the man of the match was. Clearly Sevilla's fantastic keeper who kept us out all game with a fantastic performance. He deserved to keep that PK out of the back of the goal. Congrats to Sevilla for worming out a point

Yup what you said

Man of the match is of course that midget guy, although he didn't score he was tearing up that defence. WTF was up with our finishing today? Lol Glad we could still manage the 3 points after such impotence. Its as if we need some Viagra or something. Anyways.... Honorable mentions....

I won't say this often, but Busquets gets my vote. He was solid.

This was one of Messi's best performances all season and it is hard to pick out a second. Everyone played pretty well but I'll put my vote on Iniesta. Almost always a safe pick

I really enjoyed watching Villa this game. But it has to be Messi.    

Man of the match for me was of course that one guy, BUT for the fun of it I wanted to say that Iniesta was really good to have back, but Thiago made a better impression than anyone else for me. Yessir.
Villa should have done better in my opinion.

Good game for sure, loved the three goals, it does seem like the refs are not calling penalties for Messi, so weird

I agree you can't really look past Messi as the man of the match.

Iniesta had a great match and it was great to see him back as well. I thought Pedro had a performance worth mentioning especially that assist of his.

Xavi is just Xavi.... Enough said

Valdes easily

Villa gets my vote. Although Valdez kept us in the game.... I always go for the goalscorers lol

Villa usually takes a ton of chances and is as wasteful as Benzema lol NOT THIS GAME! What a beautiful goal

Dani Alvez is my vote with Victor Valdes a close second. Dani was extraordinary in defence, stopping one of the best attackers again and again as well as providing composure in midfield when he pushed up. He was once again the victim of Pepe the beast who should have been sent off

I say Valdes although Dani made some really good sliding tackle to keep Ronaldo from scoring

Man of the match for me was Messi, he is the greatest of all time.    Villa had the goal of the match

Agreed messi was man of the match. He was their at the most important and vital moments! And his connection with xavi, iniesta is just amazing! Got to love that kid and he's only 23!

No offense, but I think picking a man of the match contradicts our philosophy. Our entire team played excellent as a collective unit and that's what makes FC Barcelona the best in the world. They each had a specific role and every player did phenomenal. Congratulations to each and every single one.

Yes obviously the whole team played phenomenal hands down, but theirs always that one player that exceeds the rest no matter what and yes every player is key and are very important in their role as a player and as a team player

And yes messi was the man of the match lol

If I had to pick one player, then there's no question that Messi was the man of the match. His ability to dribble past even the best defenders in the world like they are children will never cease to amaze me. It's an honor to witness him play, he is the total footballer

Besides Messi, I'd say Iniesta!

VILLA VILLA VILLA!