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| Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona 2016/2017 Copa del Rey semifinal Player Ratings |
FC Barcelona put one foot in the final of the 2016/2017 Copa del Rey after they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their semifinal encounter at the Vicente Calderon which means their goal of winning a third consecutive cup title is still well on track.
Luis Suarez put Barcelona in front after just seven minutes with a fine solo goal before Lionel Messi made it 2-0 25 minutes later. Antoine Griezmann pulled one back for the visitors but Barça held on to get the all-important win. Here is how the Barça stars fared in the game.
ATLÉTI 1-2 BARÇA PLAYER RATINGS
JASPER CILLESSEN – 7.0
Was calm and composed during most part of the game but made two crazy errors that he got lucky to escape the consequence. Also pulled two great saves to help Barça get the win, a mixed game, but the good constituencies are more.
SERGI ROBERTO – 6.0
A mixed game.. Did more in defence than in attack and was great in dealing with Atléti’s left side. Not a bad game.
GERARD PIQUÉ – 7.0
Always the leader and defence coordinator. Piqué didn’t rest for a minute, was fierce and solid throughout the game.. Passing was also great.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 7.5
Great performance playing LCB alongside Gerard Piqué.. He was like a stop, ending a lot of Atléti attacks.. His passing through the lines was joyous stuff and his movements to bring out the ball was amazing. Having a good first season.
JORDI ALBA – 7.0
Knew Atléti could be dangerous in attack so he was alert on defence with limited attacking works.. Highlight of the game was his crucial tackle to stop Torres in the second half. Great game.
IVAN RAKITIC – 6.5
Wasn’t at his creative best and his passing wasn’t really good. But he was great in his defensive duties, helping Sergi Roberto deal with pressure on the right. Team fell apart in defence after he was subbed off for Denis.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 8.0
Was fantastic in that defensive midfield role in Busquets’ absence. He was everywhere, ever present and his defensive works helped a lot. His interception led to Barça’s first goal.. Had some sloppy periods but overall was really great.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 6.0
Was just too basic… Sloppy many times and got positioning wrong many times too. However, he was more careful with his passing and movement is improving. Still adapting.
LIONEL MESSI – 8.5
Man of the Match as usual.. Didn’t undergo too much stress but got the work done. Played a free role and dominated both the midfield and the right flank. Grabbed a beautiful goal to put Barça two up and almost got another from a free kick which was denied by the woodwork. Superb.
LUIS SUÁREZ – 8.0
The best striker in the world showed why he holds that title. Gave Barça momentum with a beautiful solo goal that out them in front after 7 minutes. Was always fighting and energetic. Good performance.
NEYMAR – 7.5
Really active throughout his stay in the game.. Dazzling on many occasions but was poor in front of goal as he missed a good chance to make it 3. Picked up a yellow which means he’ll miss the second leg through suspension.
SUBSTITUTES…
DENIS SUÁREZ – 5.5
Replaced Rakitic in the second half and was unlucky to as the intensity of the game overshadowed him.
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 5.5
Came on for Gomes late on and didn’t do much. His return from injury.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 7.0
Lineup worked as Barça were solid defensively until he subbed Rakitic off and the team struggled.
THE TEAM: 7.5
Good away win against a tough opponent without Busquets and Iniesta. Good first half but a poor second half. Overall, a perfect result.
