FC Barcelona booked their place in the final of the 2016/2017 Copa del Rey after their 1-1 semifinal second leg draw vs Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou ensured they progress 3-2 on aggregate, qualifying for their fourth consecutive Copa del Rey final.
First half goal from Luis Suárez was cancelled out by Kevin Gameiro’s second half strike, but the result was enough to see Luis Enrique’s army keep their hope of winning a third successive crown well intact as they’ll face newcomers Alavés in the final in may. Here’s how the Barcelona players fared in a stressful game against Diego Simeone’s men at the Camp Nou.
BARÇA 1-1 ATLÉTI PLAYER RATINGS
JASPER CILLESSEN – 9.0
Arguably the team’s best player, it was literally because of him that Barcelona qualified.. Pulled two amazing last-man saves early on and then two more to deny Koke from distance and a Godin header. His calmness and passing was good, had nothing to do with the Atléti goal.. His best performance in a Barcelona shirt. Impressive.
SERGI ROBERTO – 4.0
Didn’t know what he was doing on that right side, was easily beaten in defences and was toothless in attack.. He’s in a terrible run on form, almost cost his team the game after being sent off early in the second half just when he was about to be replaced by Aleix Vidal. Poor poor.
GERARD PIQUÉ – 6.5
A mixed game from the defender.. Was the leader at the back and did well to motivate the players and fans.. Passing was superb and he made a lot of clearances.. Gave away a penalty which Gameiro missed and could’ve done better to prevent the attack for Gameiro’s goal.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 8.0
Another good game from the defender. Was very calm at the back and was fierce dealing with Atleti’s attacks.. Wasn’t shy to go for a tackle and there weren’t many attacks from his side. His block in the final minute gave Barça the good result.
JORDI ALBA – 6.5
A good performance overall, his pace helped him a lot of times and he was very good defensively even though it meant limited attacks.. A good game..
ANDRÉ GOMES – 8.0
A fantastic performance at the end after a slow start to the game.. His positioning and movement was the best we’ve seen from him all season. Played a big part in the build up to Barça’s goal. Composed and delivered when needed.. One to look out for in the future.
IVAN RAKITIC – 6.0
Had a lot of work to do in that midfield position, didn’t get things all right and that made Barça suffer. Improved in the second half though.
DENIS SUÁREZ – 5.0
Was handed a starting spot but didn’t live to expectation. Didn’t do well, was too basic, gave away the ball easily and looked lost in midfield. Was subbed off on the hour mark.
LIONEL MESSI – 7.0
Atléti’s pressure and dominance meant he didn’t have the perfect game but was efficient most of the time. Got Barça’s first shot on target, his run and saved shot led to Suarez’s goal and his thunderous free kick was only saved by the crossbar. Good news, he didn’t get a booking so will play the final.
LUIS SUÁREZ – 6.5
Was always running and searching for the ball, a real fighter. Got his goal before the halftime whistle after tapping in a saved Messi shot. Came close early in the first half. All ended with a blemish after he was sent off late on after receiving two quick fire yellow cards. Will miss the final.
ARDA TURAN – 5.5
Started over the suspended Neymar, kept things simple which turned out to be too simple as he didn’t do much. Wasn’t a threat for the Atléti defence although he created one or two chances. Average game. Replaced by Busquets later on.
SUBSTITUTES…
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 6.5
Came on for Denis Suarez with 30 minutes left to play and he gave Barcelona some stability in defence.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 5.5
Came on for Arda Turan in the second half and struggled to adapt to the pace of the game. Was booked later.
ANDRÉS INIESTA – 5.5
Replaced Ivan Rakitic late in the game and didn’t do much.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 5.5
Not a good approach to the game, his team got dominated.. Was lucky to get the win.
THE TEAM: 7.0
Played poorly but persevered and didn’t give up throughout the game. Not the best performance, but they got the result they wanted.