Dynamo Kyiv 0-4 Barcelona, Player Ratings: Braithwaite and Dest star in Messi's absence
Barcelona's second string produced a professional performance to defeat Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukraine, winning 4-0 in a comfortable display.
But with Lionel Messi missing, who were the key men?
✔️ GOOD PERFORMANCE
Dest became the first American player ever to score for Barcelona, combining with Martin Braithwaite to drill the ball across goal into the far corner.
But it was his overall display which really caught the eye, being a true attacking option from full-back and should have had an assist, too, were it not for a really poor miss from Riqui Puig.
With Barcelona suffering from a defensive injury crisis Mingueza was asked to step up from the B team and he did so with an accomplished display.
Barcelona never really looked in danger and the assured performance of the 21-year-old was key, winning his two aerial duels and making a key clearance in the second half. He even contributed an assist for Braithwaite with a near-post flick.
The La Masia graduate has had precious little minutes to prove himself this season but was handed a start tonight and showed what he is capable of in terms of ball circulation in the middle of the pitch.
He made a huge 103 passes with a 99% pass completion rate, an astonishing return particularly given how deep Kyiv defended in the match. He also won 5/7 duels and he looks to have played his way into Ronald Koeman's thinking.
⭐ STAR MAN
Two shots, two goals for Braithwaite who was able to get a much-needed confidence boost after spending much of the season on the sidelines.
He showed striker's instinct to sneak in at the back post to nod in the second goal, then won the penalty himself when pushed in the back while trying to head towards goal. He stroked the kick home and helped round off a good evening's work for Barcelona.
Dynamo Kyiv 0-4 Barcelona: Full Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats