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Copa del Rey | Quarter-Finals
Jan 21, 2015 at 9pm UK
 
AM

1-0

Messi (85')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Player Ratings: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid

:Headline: Player Ratings: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid: ID:200490: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a look at how each player performed during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Barcelona will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Atletico Madrid next week after events at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

The only goal of the match came five minutes from time, with Lionel Messi converting from close range after Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak had initially denied the Argentine from the penalty spot.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the first leg.


BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Only had one save to make on what was a comfortable night for the German. Looked very composed in possession of the ball. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Was not frightened to get forward, but as has been the case for much of this season, the Brazilian's delivery was poor on too many occasions. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Had a very strong night at the heart of the defence. Dealt with the Atletico frontline and made a number of towering headers, especially in the first half. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: Picked up a late booking as Barca's frustration grew. Had a comfortable night alongside Pique at the heart of the back-line. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Like Alves, was always prepared to break forward, but the Spaniard's crossing was a little wayward. Had little to worry about in defensive areas. (6/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Won his side's penalty on what was another impressive night for the Spaniard. Did not put a foot wrong in the middle of the park. A classy performer. (7/10)

Andres Iniesta: Had a couple of half-chances after breaking into the Atletico box, but the midfielder is still trying to re-discover his best form in a Barca shirt. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Set up a chance for Luis Suarez with a wonderful pass in the first period. Has overcome a difficult spell to rightfully earn his spot in the Barca midfield. (7/10)

Attack

Neymar: Tested Oblak with a stinging effort early on, but faded out of the match in the second half. Found it more difficult then he did 10 days ago against the Spanish champions. (6/10)

Lionel Messi: Always looked the most likely to make something happen. Scored the winner late on after initially bringing a fine penalty save from Oblak. (7/10)

Luis Suarez: Missed a gilt-edged chance in the first period on what was a disappointing evening for the forward. Picked up a booking late on for dissent. (5/10)

Substitutes

Xavi: Replaced Rakitic after 77 minutes and used his experience to help Barca retain the ball. (6/10)

Marc Bartra: Only given the final two minutes and therefore had little time to impress. (5/10)


ATLETICO

Goal

Jan Oblak: Made a number of smart saves throughout the contest and was very unlucky for the winning goal. Can be pleased with his performance at Camp Nou. (7/10)

Defence

Juanfran: Conceded the late penalty after clipping Busquets inside the box. Was a touch unfortunate, but it was a clumsy challenge from the right-back. (6/10)

Diego Godin: Had another excellent night at the heart of the Atletico defence, but will now miss the second leg after picking up a booking in stoppage time. (7/10)

Miranda: Has a battle on his hands to partner Godin at the heart of the defence this season, but another strong showing will do the Brazilian no harm at all. (7/10)

Guilherme Siqueira: Set up Griezmann with a fine cross in the first period, but was given a torrid time by Messi whenever the Argentine travelled at speed. (6/10)

Midfield

Koke: Disappointed with the couple of chances that he had to deliver set pieces. Worked ever so hard, but could not really influence the match. (6/10)

Gabi: Was not too involved in the final third, but the Atletico skipper had a decent match. Was classy in possession during the periods when his side had the ball. (6/10)

Mario Suarez: Provided an excellent shield in front of his defence. Has been linked with a move away this January, but the Spaniard is a very reliable performer. (7/10)

Attack

Arda Turan: Was too wide to have a serious impact on the match in forward areas, but as ever, the Turkish international performed an excellent role for the team. (6/10)

Fernando Torres: Had little service in the first period, but still worked his socks off in attack. Departed for leading scorer Mario Mandzukic at the interval. (6/10)

Antoine Griezmann: Always willing to run the channels and offer an out-ball, but he headed his only real chance after the crossbar in the first period. (6/10)

Substitutes

Mario Mandzukic: Replaced Torres at the interval, but like his fellow striker, struggled with the lack of service. (6/10)

Raul Garcia: Brought on in place of Griezmann after 66 minutes and the midfielder helped tighten what was already a strong defensive unit. (6/10)

Raul Jimenez: Only given the final two minutes and did not touch the ball. (5/10)


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