Those who braved a rare downpour in Barcelona and made it to the largely unsheltered Camp Nou were rewarded with an awesome display of attacking football as Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners over Sevilla. Nearly everything clicked for Luis Enrique's side against Jorge Sampaoli & Co., who gave them a grueling game back in November but who have fallen apart in the past month.
Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez were at their best as they read each other's movements to perfection, while Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta gave hugely impressive displays behind them.
Positives
Barca showed little signs of tiredness after a second game in three days and everything is starting to come together as they enter a crucial stage in the season, with two daunting games with Juventus and the Clasico coming up soon. It was also heartening to see Andres Iniesta look back to his best.
Negatives
The team slightly dropped their intensity after the break when they could have really hammered Sevilla. Also, Rakitic and Pique picked up bookings that mean they will be suspended for Saturday's trip to Malaga.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Luis Enrique named the ideal starting line-up for the occasion and made sensible changes when the game was wrapped up, but crucially allowed Iniesta to complete the 90 minutes.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc Andre-ter Stegen, 6 -- Responded on the rare occasions Sevilla managed to get into shooting positions, saving with his body more than his hands.
DF Javier Mascherano, 8 -- Gave a commanding display in what is looking like his natural role as he enters the autumn of his career.
DF Gerard Pique, 8 -- Looked to have benefitted hugely from being rested for the Granada game last week, giving an alert, energetic display and snuffing out Sevilla's attacks.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 6 -- Looked comfortable on the left of the three-man defence although the splendid work of those in front of him meant he was never really put under pressure.
MF Sergi Roberto, 7 -- Was back on the right of the midfield four after a brief return to the back four against Granada and kept things tight.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 9 -- Had one of his best displays in a Barca shirt, breaking up play frequently and driving the team forward with speed and precision. The second goal had his imprints all over it, made by his darting run through the middle.
MF Sergio Busquets, 7 -- Had an understated role but his passing and quick, useful touches kept the play flowing.
MF Andres Iniesta, 8 -- Gave one of his better performances in a difficult season and crucially completed 90 minutes for only the second time in a league game this campaign.
FW Lionel Messi, 9 -- Continued to pile misery on Sevilla, who are his favourite victims. His two goals took his tally against the Andalusians to 29 in 30 competitive games, while he also tormented their defence in the build-up to Suarez's strike after rattling the bar early on.
FW Luis Suarez, 8 -- Made the Camp Nou purr with his emphatic volley, the type of finish that defines his play. Also linked up brilliant with his attacking partners, providing the pass for Messi's first.
FW Neymar, 8 -- Was not the headline act for once but was just as crucial in wreaking havoc on Sevilla with his darting runs all over the attack and his visionary passing.
Substitutes
FW Paco Alcacer (for Suarez), 6 -- Got involved after coming on and perhaps should have added to his goal against Granada when he bore down on Sergio Rico but shot straight at the goalkeeper.
DF Lucas Digne (for Pique), NR -- Got a much needed run out for the first time in five weeks.
MF Carles Alena (for Rakitic), NR -- Made his home debut in the league and got 10 minutes on the pitch.