Barcelona and Real Madrid shared the spoils with an entertaining 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Camp Nou.
An early goal from Lucas Vazquez was cancelled out by Malcom’s thrashed leveller, but who were the players to shine or flop?
Let’s find out with our Barca player ratings.
STARTING XI
Ter Stegen 6. Had no chance with the opener. A wobbly moment when he misplaced a clearance outside the box.
Semedo 7. Preferred to Sergi Roberto at right back. Battled hard in an even fight with Vinicius and was progressive coming forward.
Pique 8. Authoritative performance at the back, winning the ball and using it with great purpose. Came close with a first half header,
Lenglet 6. Spoiled an otherwise fine performance by being badly beaten at near post by Vazquez for the opener
Alba 6. Starved of Messi’s service, he was far less influential than usual but bounded forward to tee up the equaliser.
Rakitic 5. Made a sloppy start and continued to labour. Thumped a first half header against the bar but was replaced.
Busquets 6. Applied calm control in possession but sometimes struggled without the ball, especially early on.
Arthur 7. Couldn’t get involved during the early stages but soon helped Barca up the tempo, retaining possession under pressure.
Malcom 8. Replaced Messi and was full of endeavour. Capped fine display with well-taken equaliser before hobbling off.
Suarez 6. Often frustrated but still came close with a low curler in the first half and hit the post to set up the leveller.
Coutinho 4. Peripheral presence, struggling to make any impact except a couple of harmless long-range shots. Replaced by Messi.
SUBS
Vidal 6. Replaced Rakitic in midfield. Threw himself into the game and, unsurprisingly, was booked for fouling Casemiro.
Messi 6. Entered to a hero’s welcome after an hour, and produced some threatening moments but nothing decisive.
Alena 6. Barca’s last sub, coming on for Malcom on the left flank. Showed good energy and looked comfortable.
