Copa del Rey 17/18: Valencia 0-2 Barcelona; Player Ratings

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Barcelona are through to to the finals.

Despite a valiant effort, Valencia couldn't trouble Barcelona and try to force their way into the finals of the Copa del Rey. Two second-half goals from Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic set up another mouthwatering final between Sevilla and Barcelona.

Valencia, however, did put up a good fight and troubled the goalkeeper often in the first half but their final third decision-making is what let them down at a time that mattered most.

Here's how the players fared:

Valencia

Jaume Domenech - 6.5/10

Didn't honestly have much to do most of the first half given his side's attacking intent but come the second half, when needed, couldn't help keep his side in the game.

Martin Montoya - 7/10

The former Barcelona man was a threat going forward and put in some lovely crosses and could've expected more from his target men.

Ezequiel Garay - 6.5/10

Was doing decently well until he had to stretchered off the field for a hamstring issue. Looks likely to miss a few games.

Gabriel Paulista - 7.5/10

Had his good and bad moments captured in one particular incident when he gave the ball away to Messi in the second half only to catch up and put in a spectacular tackle to win it back.

Jose Luis Gaya - 6.5/10

Had an 87% pass accuracy rate and had one of his better displays in compared to recent form but still couldn't prove to be effective in the final third.

Francis Coquelin - 7/10

Showing in flashes why he could be a steal for Valencia with another decent display. Had to be taken off for a more-attacking minded change as Barcelona scored the opener. Really promising signs from the Frenchman.

Dani Parejo - 7/10

As always, was the fulcrum of most of what Valencia did from the centre of the park but struggled to cope with Messi dropping in deep too often.

Geoffrey Kondogbia - 7.5/10

Surely he isn't the same player we all saw at Inter Milan? Another accomplished performance in both the attacking and defending side of the game.

Simone Zaza - 7.5/10

Hasn't had the most favourable last couple of years but showed today that in this system, he could be the kind of outlet a lot of Valencia's midfielders and attackers need: strong and commanding in the box.

Rodrigo - 6.5/10

Barring his excellent effort heading the ball into the underside of the crossbar, Rodrigo could've done a lot more. Did run his heart out but often at the wrong time.

Luciano Vietto - 6.5/10

Had two key passes to his name but his link-up play is what caught the eye. Was willing to make runs deep into the final third and put in some lovely balls for his striking-partners to tuck away.

Substitutes

Carlos Soler - 7/10

Came on for Rodrigo and did well to bring about a more direct approach to Valencia's attack. Was agile on the ball and caused a few problems for the Barcelona defence.

Goncalo Guedes - 7/10

Statistics say he didn't have the best of games but his runs into the box, his constant need to dribble past the midfield and put in a ball had Barcelona on the back foot too often. Should've started the game.

Ruben Vezo - 6/10

Came on for the injured Garay but the game had already passed him by.

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