Barcelona achieved a convincing 5-0 victory against Cordoba at the Camp Nou on Saturday to end the year in style. Pedro, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi (two) scored the goals for the Blaugrana, who signed off before the winter break with a fine win.
Luis Enrique's men managed to open the score line within the first minute in what was a decisive moment that changed the game completely. From that point on, the visitors' need to push forward to get at least one point from their trip to Catalunya allowed Barca to find gaps more often than previously expected.
Inevitably, the dominance resulted in a massively one-sided game. Once goals started to flow in the second half, there was very little Cordoba could do to get back into the game.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Claudio Bravo, 7 -- Achieved another valuable clean sheet in a game in which he was little more than a privileged spectator. The Chilean international should be proud to close 2014 as the goalkeeper with the best record in La Liga -- he's conceded only seven goals in 16 appearances.
DF Martin Montoya, 7 -- Included in the starting XI for the second consecutive game and delivered another no-frills yet intense performance at both ends of the pitch. Despite having received plenty of offers to leave in the upcoming transfer window, many Cules are eagerly hoping Enrique's sudden change of heart towards the former Spanish U21 international isn't too little, too late.
DF Javier Mascherano, 7 -- Solid. Quick to tackle whenever needed and well-positioned throughout the game. The manager is definitely right to keep the Argentinean international in his starting XI time and time again whether as a centre-back or a holding midfielder.
DF Gerard Pique, 8 -- Another impressive display by a key player who is slowly but surely moving close to his former best. Confident defensively and reliable when helping his team build passing transitions. Completed a sound performance by netting the Catalans' third with a powerful header.
DF Jordi Alba, 8 -- An explosion of freshness, constantly overlapping and combining with Andres Iniesta and Pedro up and down the left flank. His crosses were a nightmare for the visitors to defend against.
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 -- Although he gave the ball away cheaply on occasions, the 26-year-old anchored the Catalans' midfield well with early tackles and quick passes across the park.
MF Andres Iniesta, 7 -- The talented playmaker was able to constantly find gaps within the visitors' back line, successfully connecting with Alba and Suarez. While Cules would like to see him attempting shots on goal more regularly, his influence on Barca's attacking game is as crucial as ever thanks to his class and vision.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 -- Assisted Pedro for the opening goal seconds after the initial whistle; a move that ultimately unbalanced the game in the hosts' favour much earlier than most anticipated. After being controversially left out in several key matches his team has been involved in this season, it was reassuring to see the Croatian international making a decisive difference before the winter break.
FW Pedro Rodriguez, 8 -- Found the net with a confident close-range strike just one minute into the game, building on his impressive hat-trick performance in La Copa in midweek. The Camp Nou faithful rewarded his efforts by chanting his name repeatedly throughout the game. Whether he can truly challenge either Neymar or Suarez for a starting spot in the main matches remains to be seen, however.
FW Luis Suarez, 7 -- Enrique opted to use him as a pure striker once again, a sensible move to ensure the Uruguayan star adapts to the team as quickly as possible. Another courageous display, constantly creating spaces for either himself or others to run into by battling and running behind the Cordoba back line. Scored his first league goal in front of the adoring home crowd early in the second half. While his goalscoring record isn't as impressive has been in previous seasons, those who doubted he would be a success at the Camp Nou are slowly but surely being proven wrong.
FW Lionel Messi, 8 -- Constantly involved in Barca's attacking transitions, whether that meant receiving wide from the wings or dropping into midfield to push forward. Took advantage of a loose ball inside Cordoba's area to smash it into the top corner with a confident right-footed strike. Not entirely happy with his return, Messi then waited until the last minute to score his 15th league goal of the season to wrap up yet another highly effective performance. There are few words left in dictionary to describe the No.10.
Substitutes:
MF Xavi Hernandez, 7 -- Replaced Rakitic after 65 minutes. Added composure to the Barca midfield. His inch-perfect, trademark dead-ball cross enabled the Blaugranas' third.
MF Rafinha, N/R -- Introduced for Iniesta with 15 minutes left. Combined well to ensure the Catalans secured yet another valuable home win.