Nothing is sweeter than a victory over your arch rivals, more so when its the business end of the season and the victory means you put them out of the competition. Barcelona have advanced to the final of the Copa del Rey with a comfortable 0-3 victory (1-4 aggregate) and will face the winner of the second semi-final, either Real Betis or Valencia.
Ernesto Valverde’s men looked sharp, precise, crisp and clinical over the ninety minutes at the Spanish Capital. The second half was well set up for Barcelona when Luis Suarez struck home a beautiful cut-back from Ousmane Dembele around the 50th minute.
Following the first goal, Real went all guns blazing at Barcelona’s defence which was well guarded with Marc Andre Ter Stegen. A massive credit of the Catalans victory in El Clasico goes to the ‘German Wall’.
Ernesto Valverde would be immensly pleased with his side’s amazingly splendid display in a fixture which was equivalent to survival or death. The Cules always seemed to be in control of proceedings despite looking a bit shaky in the first half. Well, what’s done is done, the pleasing result of victory matters at the end of the day to advance in the Kings Cup.
This victory would not be important for Barcelona when they once again lock horns with Real Madrid on Saturday evening in a whole different ball game, the La Liga Santander. Here’s how we at T4O feel Barcelona fared in their three is to nothing victory against Los Blancos.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen – 9/10
A fantastic display from the German shot-stopper. Acted as an unbreakable armour in front of Madrid’s attacks.
Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Seemed to have just gotten the job done. Was mostly chasing shadows of Sergi Reguilon and Vinicius Junior down the right side.
Gerard Piqué – 8/10
The La Masia graduate indeed stepped up his game at a time when it mattered the most.
Clement Lenglet – 7/10
Clinical in defence, leaving Valverde with not much to complain about. Did seem a bit too casual on a couple of occasions.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Had a very quiet evening when compared to his usual performances. Was there back in defence when it mattered.
Sergio Busquets – 8/10
A typical Sergio Busquets performance. Went about his business calm as a rabbit. Did pick-up a yellow card for his cynical challenge on Luka Modric.
Ivan Rakitic – 8/10
Was right on top of his game throughout the ninety minutes. Made several runs into the Madrid box which looked extremely threatening.
Sergi Roberto – 7/10
Very professional approach to the game, and most importantly did his job without too much fuss. An extremely no-nonsense type of player, Roberto once again proved his worth to the side.
Lionel Messi – 8/10
Had a quiet evening when compared to his usual standards. Although he does not appear on the score-sheet, his presence on the field of play was enough to draw defenders. Even allowed Luis Suarez to take the penalty, whereas he is usually the one to step up for the penalties.
Luis Suárez – 10/10
A brace in a fixture of high significance is obviously a morale booster. The Uruguayan seemed down and out just before the second half started, sitting all by himself on the tunnel stairs. Oh boy, didn’t he make the self-realisation time count?
Ousmane Dembélé – 9/10
The Frenchman is slowly and steadily starting to justify the cash Barcelona burnt on him last summer. With two assists in the El Clasico, Dembele has certainly announced himself on the big stage.
Substitutes
Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
Did what was expected from him post coming on.
Arturo Vidal – 7/10
The Chilean did not have much involvement post coming on.
Arthur Melo – N/A
Had barely anything to do after coming on with the game already done and dusted.
