Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique were all on the scoresheet as Barcelona beat Villarreal 3-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Manu Trigueros brought the visitors level early in the second period, but Barca, who also missed a penalty through Neymar, will take a healthy lead into the second leg, which takes place early next month.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed in Barcelona.

BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Made a poor mistake for Villarreal's equaliser and never looked comfortable coming for crosses. Not the German's best night for Barcelona. (5/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Usually such a threat in the final third, but the Brazilian was a little withdrawn here. Had a decent evening, but not much more than that. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Dealt with Villarreal's attacking threat impressively and got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Currently enjoying a strong run of form. (7/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: A somewhat surprise starter at the heart of the defence, but the Frenchman had a strong evening. Made a number of crucial challenges in the second period. (7/10)

Jordi Alba: Always a threat in wide positions, with the Spaniard setting up a number of chances. Now back to his best following a blip at the start of the season. (7/10)

Midfield

Rafinha: Enjoying plenty of football this season and the Spaniard had another strong evening here. Such a classy performer in possession of the ball. (7/10)

Javier Mascherano: Had a strong night in the middle of midfield. Impressive at centre-back, but shows his best form when deployed in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Andres Iniesta: Has struggled to find his best form this season, but this was much more like it from the Spaniard. Scored his side's second with a sweeping finish from inside the box. (7/10)

Attack

Neymar: Missed the chance to put his name on the scoresheet after firing a second-half penalty straight at Sergio Asenjo. That said, still had an impressive night. (7/10)

Luis Suarez: Not much luck in front of goal, but the Uruguay international did set up Messi for Barca's first. Always involved, even if he isn't finding the back of the net. (7/10)

Lionel Messi: Scored the opening goal with an excellent finish, before setting up Pique for goal number two. Gave the Villarreal defence nightmares. (8/10)

Substitutes

Ivan Rakitic: Replaced Rafinha for the final 20 minutes and came close to scoring with a rasping effort that brought a fine save from Sergio Asenjo. (6/10)

VILLARREAL

Goal

Sergio Asenjo: Could not do much with any of Barcelona's three goals, while the Spaniard made a number of smart saves in the second period. Can be pleased with his performance. (6/10)

Defence

Mario Gaspar: Found Neymar difficult to contain during long periods of the match, but the right-back showed excellent character to finish the match despite picking up an injury late on. (6/10)

Mateo Musacchio: Had a difficult night at Camp Nou. Had his pocket picked by Suarez for Barcelona's first goal and gave away a penalty in the second period. Short of his best. (5/10)

Victor Ruiz: Performed better than Musacchio, with the centre-back, who is on loan from Valencia, making a number of crucial interceptions throughout the match. (6/10)

Jaume Costa: Usually such a threat going forward, but the left-back struggled to make an impact here. Solid enough at the back though. (6/10)

Midfield

Bruno: Was at the heart of everything for the visitors in the early stages, but lasted just 32 minutes after picking up an Achilles injury. Villarreal certainly missed his presence. (6/10)

Jonathan dos Santos: Struggled to make his mark against his former club. Showed some nice touches in possession, but was replaced early in the second period. (6/10)

Tomas Pina: Tasked with protecting his back four, but the midfielder had a difficult night. Picked up a booking after 66 minutes during a low-key performance. (5/10)

Attack

Denis Cheryshev: Had a really strong match against Barcelona last time out in the league, but found it more difficult here. Never really got into the game in a wide area. (5/10)

Luciano Vietto: Quite comfortably his side's most potent threat. Had an excellent chance in the latter stages of the first period, but brought a smart save from Ter Stegen. (6/10)

Giovani dos Santos: Had a super chance to score a second for Villarreal late on, but headed wide from a corner. Struggled to make an impact on his former stomping ground. (5/10)

Substitutes

Manu Trigueros: Scored his side's equaliser with a powerful effort early in the second period. Had another excellent chance late on, but could not test Ter Stegen. (7/10)

Antonio Rukavina: Replaced Giovani dos Santos early in the second period, but was a little untidy in possession after taking up some good positions. (6/10)

Moi Gomez: Another that had an opportunity for the visitors late on, but the midfielder saw his goal-bound effort deflected wide by Mathieu. Was a threat during his 15 minutes on the field. (6/10)