The San Mames Stadium in the Basque Country hosted a tightly contested quarterfinal between Barcelona and Athletic Club on Wednesday night. The stakes could not be higher, for the clash was a direct knockout fixture, and the game that unfolded showcased the same.
Both teams pushed to no end on the night, with the hosts even opening the scoring in less than 40 seconds. However, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal’s twin strikes gave the visitors the lead before half-time.
Ernesto Valverde’s side found an early equaliser in the second period, setting up for a rough battle over the next 40 minutes. The game ended level, bringing extra time into the equation.
Inaki Williams scored for his side in the last minute of the first half of extra-time, putting the Catalans under pressure. In the end, the Blaugranas did not have enough to conjure an equaliser, and were killed off by Nico Williams, who scored the fourth in injury time of extra time.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the Copa del Rey quarterfinal.
Inaki Pena: 6.5
Lost his clean sheet less than a minute into the game for no direct fault of his, but improved as the half progressed. Made a critical save to deny Athletic Club from point-blank range off a set-piece in the first half. Could have done better in stopping both the later goals.
Jules Kounde: 7
The French defender started at right-back in the Copa del Rey clash and did not venture forward as much as usual. With Yamal in the driving seat on the flank, Kounde’s role was limited to defence, and he did a decent job of controlling Nico WIlliams. Yet, he does deserve some blame for the hosts’ eventual equaliser.
Ronald Araujo: 8.5
The Uruguayan undoubtedly shares the blame for Barcelona’s inability to clear the ball for Los Leones’ early opener. Yet, he was an immovable cog in defence, conjuring resources and leading from the front to combat the hosts’ recurrent waves of attacks.
Completed the game with over 25 defensive actions to his name.
Andreas Christensen: 7
The Danish defender returned from injury and played 70 minutes on the night, making two clearances and blocking as many shots in the process. Further, he won six duels and completed close to 95% of his passes on the night.
Alejandro Balde: 6
Started at left-back and made a decent attacking impression in the opening spell. Unfortunately, he made his way off the field in the first half after suffering what looked like a hamstring injury.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6.5
Gundogan was one of the more well-oiled units in Barcelona’s midfield and essential in maintaining possession through Athletic Club’s pressure.
Frenkie de Jong: 6
The Dutch midfielder was as reliable as ever with his distribution and worked hard off the ball for the greater part of the game. Was very poor in marking Oihan Sancet for Athletic Club’s second goal on the night, gifting the hosts an equaliser in the process.
Pedri: 5.5
Simple, effective, elegant ball-circulating machine in the Catalan midfield once more. There was, however, a feeling that he could have done more in terms of attacking output and looking for the final pass.
Lamine Yamal: 8
A mixed night for Yamal as he once again looked to be Barcelona’s single biggest difference maker. Ruthless on the counter, a genius with the ball at his feet and capped it off with a sensational finish from distance to score Barcelona’s second goal on the night.
Came mightily close to scoring his second goal midway through the second period but just could not notch up the finish. Robbed the ball from the Bilbao defence and missed an open goal five minutes from full-time.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5
As has been the case in recent games, the Pole was scantily involved in the buildup play and almost absent in the team’s press. Scored Barcelona’s equaliser in the first half after luckily deflecting Yuri Berchiche’s clearance back into his own net.
Ferran Torres: 2
Coming off a hat-trick performance, Torres looked confident in his combination play. However, he hardly created any tangible threat to the goal in the first half, with his only chance coming late in added time. Was invisible after the restart.
Substitutes
Hector Fort: 8
The Barcelona B star came on to replace the injured Balde in the first period. Despite being a natural right-back, he was forced to play at left-back, yet did not show any signs of nerves or discomfort. Only improved as the game went on as he kept even the mighty Inaki Williams at bay.
Pau Cubarsi: 7
Came on to replace Christensen in central defence and kept his cool, much like his last outing. A solid resource in defence, albeit with still scope to grow.
Joao Felix: 2
A silent cameo from the Portuguese starlet who did not do much to threaten the hosts’ goal.
Sergi Roberto: NA
Did not make much of an impact after coming on.
Marc Guiu: NA
Had one half-chance but volleyed it straight into the goalkeeper. Lively presence but did not receive the necessary service.
