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All to play for in the second leg as Spanish superclubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid could not be separated in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final at the Camp Nou. The 1-1 scoreline was a fair indication of two evenly matched teams.
Lionel Messi was only fit enough to start from the bench so cup regular Malcom was given a start in a strong Barcelona starting line up. Barcelona are the current champions of the Copa Del Rey and is seeking to wear the crown for the fifth straight season.
The first El Clásico meeting between the eternal rivals this season saw a Messi-less Barcelona wipe the floor with Julen Lopetegui's Real Madrid in a 5-1 triumph. Since then former Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari replaced Lopetegui.
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Solari has improved the results somewhat but today was the first real big test for the Argentine. A test he surely passed, making some controversial lineup decisions. Isco once again had no place in the starting line-up, also left out were Casemiro, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale.
With the second leg poised to kick off in two weeks time, there is everything to play for at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Barcelona
Marc-André ter Stegen- 7/10
ter Stegen had absolutely no chance to prevent the Real Madrid goal in the first six minutes of the game.
Clément Lenglet- 7/10
The former Sevilla man played a beautiful ball over the top that caused havoc for the Madrid defence, a play ultimately led to Malcom's equaliser.
Gerard Piqué- 8/10
An El Clásico veteran, Pique, showed his class again today sweeping up whenever necessary for the Catalan club.
Jordi Alba- 6/10
The marauding left-back's mistimed header opened the door for Karim Benzema to assist Lucas Vazquez for the first goal of the game. Became a more attacking threat in the second half.
Nélson Semedo- 8/10
Had his hands full containing Vinicius Junior in the first half and to be fair dealt with the Brazilian quite well. A wonderful tackle on Gareth Bale kept his team from conceding another.
Sergio Busquets- 7/10
Acted in his customary pivot role as linked up perfectly with his fellow midfielders. Led some beautiful combination play late in the second half that almost carved out a good chance for Messi.
Arthur- 7/10
For a player so young, Arthur plays with immense maturity, he looks like he has been playing in the Nou Camp for years. Today was no different.
Ivan Rakitic- 6/10
Unluckily, Rakitic smashed his first-half header off the crossbar. Hooked for Arturo Vidal minutes after the equaliser.
Luis Suárez- 8/10
In Messi's absence, Barcelona must have expected Suarez to take a greater leadership role as he did in the last El Clásico. Suarez didn't do quite that but was effective enough to be a big part of Barcelona's only goal.
Philippe Coutinho- 6/10
Besides one defence-splitting pass midway through the first half, Coutinho was quiet for long spells of the game and was hooked for Messi on the 64th minute.
Malcom- 8/10* Man of the Match
Given a great chance today from the start and should have scored the equaliser when he was played through with only Keylor Navas to beat. His dangerous freekick was turned onto the bar by Rakitic. His hard work paid off when he pounced after Suarez's shot hit the post to squeeze the ball into the Madrid net. His effort did have some help from a Carvajal deflection and Ramos not knowing where he was standing.
Substitutes
Lionel Messi- 7/10
Immediately showed his quality when he entered the game but just did not have enough time to hurt Madrid. Should be fit for the second leg.
Arturo Vidal- 6/10
Battled well and continued the job of Rakitic.
Carles Aleñá- N/A
Rarely got involved when he came on.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas- 8/10
Recalled to the starting line-up today by Solari, Navas made a wonderful save in a 1v1 situation to deny Malcom. His cat-like reflexes were called upon again when he somehow kept out a Suarez blast. Uncharacteristically sloppy with his feet as he knocked the ball off the pitch while in possession. An overall top game that reminded everyone of his quality.
Sergio Ramos- 8/10
The Real Madrid captain picked up his routine caution but organised his team admirably. Unfortunate, Malcom's deflected shot threw Ramos off as he seemed to pull away as the ball went in the net. A perfect challenge on Messi deep into extra time underlined his importance to this team.
Raphaël Varane- 8/10
One of France's World Cup heroes, Varane had a solid game, neat in possession and confident with his challenges.
Marcelo- 5/10
Marcelo's form has not been the best lately and had a couple of attacking runs in the Barcelona half. Had to do more defending in the second half as Barcelona hunted for a leveller and then a winner. Could be blamed for being out of position for the Barcelona goal.
Dani Carvajal- 6/10
With Odriozola threating ownership of the right-back slot, Carvajal had to perform today. Did okay early on but faded as did the rest of his team. His slightest touch on Malcom's shot was enough to beat Navas and Ramos on the goal line.
Marcos Llorente- 6/10
Llorente was selected ahead of Casemiro today and did not put a foot wrong. Picked up a light knock in the second half and had to come off for Casemiro in the end.
Toni Kroos- 7/10
Reiterated his importance to this Real Madrid team by providing wonderful patience and balance whenever on the ball.
Luka Modric- 7/10
The current holder of the Ballon d'Or started the game well spraying the ball all over the pitch, constantly looking for the Vinicius/Benzema outlet.
Karim Benzema- 8/10
Real Madrid's leading goal scorer was a provider today. His velvet like touch was exceptional as he set up Vazquez for the early opener.
Vinicius Junior- 8/10
The Brazilan phenom is so impressively fearless and it was his vision that picked out Benzema in a play that eventually led to the opening goal. Barca kept the ball in the second half giving Vinicius little time on the ball after the break. Replaced by Bale on in the 64th.
Lucas Vázquez- 7/10
Was clinical when he fired the ball past Ter Stegen to give Madrid the 1-0 lead. Hustled on both ends of the pitch, a respectable performance from the winger.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale- 5/10
He would have hoped to have a more impactful appearance from the bench but he often frustrated with his final decisions.
Casemiro- 6/10
Took some time to get going but when he did Madrid got back some control of the football game.
Marco Asensio- N/A
Had little time to make an impression but still managed to have Barcelona backline on high alert when he got on the ball.
