Barcelona 5-0 Real Murcia - Player Ratings
FC Barcelona hosted Real Murcia in the second leg of their round-of-32 draw in the Copa del Rey. La Liga table-toppers taking on a Segunda division team was always going to be a one-sided affair. However, to their credit, Murcia did defend resolutely and managed to keep the scoreline a respectable 1-0 at the end of first half.
However, the floodgates did open in the second half. The host went on to score four more goals courtesy Gerard Pique, Aleix Vidal, Jose Arnaiz and Denis Suarez. The match ended 5-0 in FC Barcelona's favour as they claimed the tie with an 8-0 aggregate, despite fielding a second-string squad.
Here, let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams:
FC Barcelona
Jasper Cillessen - 7/10
The Dutch international started his first game in the Blaugrana shirt for the second time today this season. He was solid at the back, though he wasn't tested much. Great outing overall with efficient distribution from the back.
Nelson Semedo - 7.5/10
Back in his right-back role after Roberto was rested, he produced an amazing performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in the attack along with recycling the ball well. In defence, he was solid and never allowed the wide players to cut in or put in a cross.
Gerard Pique - 7.5/10
Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won tackles, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence. He scored Barcelona's second.
Thomas Vermaelen - 7/10
He was pretty solid for the most part of the game. He was caught for pace a few times but his experience bailed him out. A run-in of consecutive games seems to have boosted his confidence and performance.
Lucas Digne - 7.5/10
The French fullback, like Semedo number, was immense last night. He took on players in attack, almost got a goal for himself and never allowed any Murcia player to have any sort of joy on his side. Great outing for him.
Oriol Busquets - 7/10
Playing in Sergio Busquets' role, Oriol Busquets did a decent enough job. He provided cover for his defenders and recycled possession, though not at a level Busquets might have done.
Carles Alena - 6/10
Decent performance from the talented young midfielder. He was tidy in possession but never much of a threat. He won back the ball quite a few number of times though.
Denis Suarez - 8/10
Suarez seems to be growing in his role at Barca. It was a great performance from the youngster, who ran the proceedings for the Blaugrana and had a couple of silky touches and turns to show for. He even got a goal late on in the match after some neat passing and interplay with Roberto.
Gerard Deulofeu - 7/10
He was quite influential for the Catalan side as he ran at defenders and used his physicality and pace very well as demonstrated throughout the match. His decision making when on the ball certainly has improved. He contributed to defence too.
Paco Alcacer - 8/10
Alcacer was a constant thorn in Real Murcia’s defence and constantly out-muscled their defenders. He took his goal well with a fine headed finish from a lucky clearance that landed straight on his head. He combined well with Aleix Vidal and Semedo on the right.
Aleix Vidal - 8/10
Playing as a right winger initially and then as a right back, Vidal took his chance well and grabbed a wonderful goal via a looping header over the keeper. He was energetic and contributed heavily to the attack.
Substitutes:
David Costas - 6/10
Brought on late in the game after the match was already in the bag. He steadied the defence for Barcelona as they looked to finish the match. Good debut for the youngster.
Sergi Roberto - 6.5/10
Just like Costas, he too was brought on for Oriol Busquets after the match was effectively over. He was energetic and even went on to provide a very fine assist for Denis Suarez's goal late in the match.
Jose Arnaiz - 7/10
Involved in the game for the last half an hour or so, he looked quite dangerous and did show quite a few nifty turns and touches. He took his goal well which was placed in the bottom corner with power.