Copa Del Rey 2017/18: Real Murcia 0-3 Barcelona - Player Ratings

FC Barcelona travelled to Murcia to take on Real Murcia in the first leg of their round-of-32 draw in the Copa Del Rey. La Liga table-toppers taking on a Segunda division team was always going to be a one-sided affair. However, to their credit, Murcia did defend resolutely and managed to keep the scoreline a respectable 1-0 at the end of first half.

In the second half, Barcelona went on to score two quick goals via individual efforts of Deulofeu and the debutant Jose Arnaiz. Thus, Barcelona managed to come back from the away leg with a three-goal advantage despite fielding a second string side. The second leg will be played at Camp Nou at the end of November.

Here, let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams:

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Real Murcia

Murcia players struggling to keep tabs on Barcelona players

Alejandro Santome - 5/10

While Santome did make a few great saves and blocks throughout the match, this was definitely not his best performance. He should have probably saved the goals he conceded against Deulofeu and Arnaiz.

Antonio Escribano - 4.5/10

Though he started well, he faded as the match wore on. He did not trouble Digne much and did not quite track the runs of Digne, who looked dangerous. He should be disappointed as to how things turned out.

Juanra - 4/10

He struggled in defence as Barca looked quite threatening on his side of the pitch. Deulofeu constantly ran at him with pace as he was more likely to lose the duel.

Pedro Orfila - 4.5/10

Unlike his centre-back partner, Orfila had a miserable performance at the heart of La Real’s defence. He was left for dead by Alcacer throughout the match and never really could mark him. He did make a few important interceptions and tackles

Alex Oritz - 5/10

He was probably better of the two fullbacks for Real Murcia. He defended reasonably well against Arnaiz but was never convincing. Attacking, his contribution was minimal, almost negligible.

David Mateos - 6.5/10

Mateos put in a good performance as he was constantly in the way of Messi and company, keeping them at bay for the majority of the game. He made a string of important interceptions and tackles to keep Murcia in the game.

Nadjib - 4.5/10

Nadjib worked hard tirelessly but could not get better of Mascherano or Vermaelen. His decision making was quite erratic and he never could get in any decent attacking positions.

Jordan Dominguez - 6/10

Dominguez put in a decent display in the midfield as he screened his defence to some extent and also distributed the ball intelligently. However, he struggled against Suarez and lost him several times.

Fernando Llorente - 5.5/10

The central attacking midfielder was fairly anonymous and was effectively marked out of the game by Barcelona's midfielders. He will look forward to improving his performance after a tough outing.

Abel Molinero - 6/10

He was the liveliest of Real Murcia's attackers and used his pace well to trouble Barcelona defenders on the odd counter attacks. However, for all his pace, the lack in quality was quite apparent.

Elady - 4/10

This was again a game to forget for Eladio, who has been one of Murcia's better player this season, barring this fixture. He struggled to cause too many problems and his final passes were poor. He failed to provide any end product as Murcia struggled to score.

Substitutes:

David Sanchez - 5/10

Came on for Llorente, but he did not fare much better. He too sat back like his predecessor and tried to the best of his abilities to stop the constant wave after wave of Barcelona attacks.

Chamorro - 6/10

Brought on for Molinero, he was a real nuisance but was not able to bag a goal. A good performance which gave Murcia some hope.

Armando - N/A

Late substitution. Did not have time to affect the game.

Barcelona

Deulofeu was one of Barcelona's best players last night

Jasper Cillessen - 7/10

The Dutch international started his first game in the Blaugrana shirt for the first time today this season. He was solid at the back, though he wasn't tested much. Particularly impressive were his triple saves off Chamorro in the second half, all from point-blank range. Great outing overall.

Nelson Semedo - 7.5/10

Back in his right-back role after Roberto was rested, he produced an amazing performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in the attack along with recycling the ball well. In defence, he was solid and never allowed the wide players to cut in or put in a cross.

Javier Mascherano - 7.5/10

Mascherano had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won tackles, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence.

Thomas Vermaelen - 6.5/10

Starting his first game of the season, he was pretty solid for the most part of the game. He was caught for pace a few times but his experience bailed him out. He missed a glorious opportunity to score from a corner from point-blank range.

Lucas Digne - 7.5/10

FC Barcelona's three goal scorers

The French fullback, like Semedo number, was immense last night. He took on players in attack, almost got a goal for himself and never allowed any Murcia player to have any sort of joy on his side. Great outing for him.

Andre Gomes - 7/10

Playing in Busquets role, he did a decent enough job. He provided cover for his defenders and recycled possession, though not at a level Busquets might have done.

Carles Alena - 6/10

Decent performance from the talented young midfielder. He was tidy in possession but never much of a threat. He won back the ball quite a few number of times though.

Denis Suarez - 7/10

Suarez seems to be growing in his role at Barca. It was a great performance from the youngster, who ran the proceedings for the Blaugrana and had a couple of silky touches and turns to show for.

Gerard Deulofeu - 8.5/10

He was quite influential for the Catalan side as he ran at defenders and used his physicality and pace very well as demonstrated throughout the match. His decision making when on the ball certainly has improved. He contributed in defence too.

Paco Alcacer - 8/10

Alcacer was a constant thorn in Real Murcia’s defence and constantly out-muscled their defenders. He took his goal well with a fine headed finish from a great cross delivered onto his head by Deulofeu.

Jose Arnaiz - 8/10

Brought in from the B-side for his debut, Arnaiz took his chance well and grabbed a wonderful goal. He was energetic and contributed heavily to the attack.

Substitutes:

Ivan Rakitic - 6/10

Brought on late in the game after the match was already in the bag. He steadied the midfield for Barcelona as they looked to finish the match.

Sergi Roberto - 6.5/10

Just like Rakitic, he too was brought on for Deulofeu after the match was effectively over. He was energetic and even went on to showcase his trademark run from the deep late in the match.

Marc Cardona - N/A

Came on only in the dying minutes of the game and was unable to influence much.