Barcelona have kept their perfect winning record in La Liga with a commanding 4-1 win at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in Madrid over Getafe. Lionel Messi started on the bench but ended up making the match much easier by coming in and scoring a brace. It was a very good team performance in a stadium where Barca had dropped three points last season.

Here are the rating for today’s match:

Victor Valdés – 7

Had a quiet night, with very little work to do bar collecting a few balls in the area. Had no chance whatsoever to prevent Getafe’s goal.

Adriano – 8

Continued his great run of form, scoring the opening goal and playing a very good match overall, providing an ever dangerous outlet down the left flank and also performing his defensive duties well, despite having little work to do on that department.

Carles Puyol – 7.5

Had a solid, error-free performance until he had to be replaced in the 57th minute due to an injury that is likely to sideline him for a while.

Gerard Piqué – 7.5

Had little to do defensively,  but mostly did well. Got involved in the team’s build-up play with excellent passing distribution from the back.

Martin Montoya – 7

Was barely tested defensively, and wasn’t very daring on the attacking front either. It was a solid performance, yet unspectacular.

Sergio Busquets – 7.5

Didn’t contribute much in attack, but fulfilled his defensive duties perfectly, breaking up play many times and showing flawless distribution.

Xavi Hernandez – 7.5

Showed impeccable passing and opened up safe passing lines for his teammates by constantly making himself available. He lacked penetration in his passing at times, but helped the team dominate the match by ensuring it kept possession of the ball.

Thiago Alcantara – 8

Showed incredible skill and touch, wreaking havoc in the Getafe defense all match long and opening up space for his teammates. Was very unlucky not to score near the end of the first half when his shot hit the post.

Pedro Rodriguez – 7.5

Showed his usual work ethic and provided great width on the right flank, although his actions mostly turned out to be inconsequential. Got the penalty that lead to the second goal.

Christian Tello – 5

By far the worst Barcelona player on the pitch today. His control and first touch let him down time and again and he mostly ineffective with the ball at his feet. A very uninspiring performance from the young winger, who was eventually replaced by David Villa.

Cesc Fabregas – 8

Started the match in Messi’s usual position and did a great job, constantly looking to break down Getafe’s defense with his penetrating passes. Created Adriano’s opening goal with a superb individual play.

Substitutes:

Javier Mascherano – 7

Replaced Puyol and had a solid performance, dealing with the little defensive work he had to do. Was only very unlucky to have scored an own goal ten minutes from the end.

Lionel Messi – 8.5

Started on the bench due to the fatigue caused by the international matches, but came into the match with about half an hour to go and left his mark, running Getafe’s defense ragged time and again and scoring a brace (a penalty and a tap in).

David Villa – 8

Continued his excellent return to the competition, scoring an excelente goal with his weaker foot during his brief 15 minute cameo.

Image: Andres Kudacki