Neymar (Brazil): The Brazilian star was not comfortable on the pitch of San Mames. He had to change his boots midway through the first half as he was constantly slipping. In the 11th minute he had a great chance with a shot that was brilliantly saved by Gorka Iraizoz. He came close to scoring on a shot from a free kick in which Ander Iturraspe was booked. Neymar, in turn, was booked for a challenge on Mikel Rico.
Alexis Sánchez (Chile): The 'Wonder Boy' was the most incisive of Barca's players on the day. It was a nightmare for the side that marked him, and he drew yellow cards from Mikel Rico and Gaizka Toquero.
Javier Mascherano (Argentina): The Argentine central of Barcelona is far from his best form as he showed in the match against Athletic Bilbao in which he was beaten in the air and in the goal of the Basques. In a counterattack he didn't get over in time to stop the goal by Iker Muniain. He saw yellow in the 53rd minute.
Luis Suárez (Uruguay): Liverpool took a step back in their aspirations to win the Premier League by losing to Hull City 3-1. The 'Gunslinger' completed a discrete game in which his volley shot (44), his right footed shot (67) and his free kick (83) found the keeper or went wide. The Reds now find themselves 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. His will be the responsibility of scoring given the injury suffered by teammate Daniel Sturridge that will keep for two months in dry dock.
Sergio Agüero and Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina): The top scorer in the Premier League could not increase his tally in Manchester City's win over Swansea. 'Kun' tried with his left foot in the 28th and had his clearest chance in the 69th with a volley in the box that he sent incomprehensibly high. He saw a yellow card for a hand-ball and was replaced by Edin Dzeko. Zabaleta was hardly threatened on his side and tried in the 66th minute with a shot that went high.
Arturo Vidal (Chile): The hero of Juventus's last match of the Champions League could not round out his week on the scoring side of things in his teams dramatic 1-0 victory against Udinese (1-0). The goal was the work of Spaniard Fernando Llorente in injury time. Vidal was applied successfully in defensive duties and joined the attack as usual to take advantage of his powerful runs.
Carlos Tevez (Argentina): The 'Apache' Tevez played all 90 minutes against Udinese but lacked confidence in front of goal. Even through the Argentine was not precise on the day he at all times was willing to defend exploiting his speed to cut Udinese's counterattacks.
Antonio Valencia (Ecuador): Tottenham and Manchester United tied 2-2 at White Hart Lane and are 10 and 9 points behind leader Arsenal respectively.Valencia was a starter and played 84 minutes until he was replaced by Nani. He was incisive but nothing decisive in attack.
Fredy Guarín (Colombia): The Colombian midfielder scored the goal that helped Inter draw against Sampdoria by pushing across the line a cross from Argentine Ricky Alvarez. Argentine Javier Zanetti returned to the starting lineup more than seven months after his injury.
Edinson Cavani (Uruguay): The 'Matador' opened the scoring in Paris Saint Germain's 4-0 victory against Olympique Lyon. PSG maintains their lead over Lille and Monaco. Cavani scored at the near post off a corner from the left flank (36).
Text and photo: AFP