Copa del Rey 2017/18, Celta Vigo 1-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

FC Barcelona

Celta de Vigo v Barcelona - Copa Del Rey

Jasper Cillessen: 6/10

There was nothing the Dutchman could have said or done about Pione Sisto’s rocket of an equaliser. The Dane’s strike was too hot to handle, but apart from that, the goalkeeper stood up tall to what Celta Vigo could throw at him. Surprisingly enough, Vigo kept Cillessen busier than Barca kept Alvarez.

Nelson Semedo: 7/10

Despite being tormented by Pione Sisto all game, Semedo still found time to be effective in attack. It was because of the full-back’s attacking intent that Sisto was afforded so much joy down the left flank. However, Semedo began to tame his attacking runs in the second half. When he did venture forward in the second half, he was creating chances with every single contribution.

Gerard Pique: 5/10

As the most experienced player in the Barcelona defence, Gerard Pique was meant to lead by example, instead, he became the weak point of the back four. Celta regularly tried to run in behind Pique, knowing fully well that he has a tendency to have lapses concentration.

Thomas Vermaelen: 7/10

In contrast to his supposedly superior defensive partner, Thomas Vermaelen was both assured on the ball and off it. The Belgian typically marked Maxi Gomez out the game, ensuring the 21-year-old didn’t have a meaningful goalscoring opportunity.

Lucas Digne: 5/10

Once again in another first-team opportunity, Lucas Digne didn’t do much to convince Ernesto Valverde that he should be challenging Jordi Alba on La Liga matchdays.

Paulinho: 5/10

The signing of the season was uncharacteristically off the pace, not being able to make a difference in either defence or attack.

Sergio Busquets: 6/10

This may be a sign of the times, but Celta Vigo were able to run through Barcelona’s midfield at will during the game. The usually positionally astute Spaniard was left scrambling on many occasions, as the likes of Wass and Sanchez overloaded him 2v1.

Andre Gomes: 7/10

The Portuguese midfielder has been under much scrutiny since arriving at the Nou Camp. But his involvement in Barcelona’s first goal was simply stunning. He ran with the ball for over 30 yards, beat one man and drilled across an inch-perfect cross for José Arnaiz. Exactly the type of play befitting of his £50million transfer fee.

Alex Vidal: 4/10

The 28-year-old was literally non-existent down the right. Anything good from the right came through the exploits of Nelson Semedo. Vidal wasn’t his normal electrifying and busy body self, instead, he struggled to take on the Celta Vigo defence and make incisive runs.

Denis Suárez: 5/10

It was a frustrating evening for Denis Suárez, as he wasn’t given the time or space to be his usual creative self. On the left flank, he looked out of ideas and lacking the physicality to make an impact.

José Arnaiz: 7/10

The 22-year-old once again took advantage of first-team football, by scoring his 2nd Copa del Rey goal in two appearances. Apart from that, he was a real livewire in the attack, often making runs that his teammates didn’t have the capabilities to feed.

Substitutions:

Ousmane Dembele: 6/10

In his first appearance in over 108 days, Barcelona’s record signing made his much-anticipated return to the pitch. Despite only having 18 minutes, Dembele still managed to create for Denis Suárez and have an attempt on goal himself.

Ivan Rakiti?: 6/10

With Barcelona comfortably losing the midfield battle, Ernesto Valverde brought on the Croatian to dictate the game and set a passing tempo. But the pace of the game was so intense that Rakiti? couldn’t slow it down.

Sergi Roberto: 5/10

It was clear that Celta Vigo were causing havoc down the flanks, so Valverde brought on Sergi Roberto reduce the number of overloads they were facing.