Full Time: Barcelona 3-1 Deportivo Alaves
Barcelona were crowned the Copa Del Rey champions, when they defeated Deportivo Alaves 3-1 at the Vicente Calderon, on Saturday night.
It was the Catalans’ talisman Lionel Messi that set them on their way on the half-hour mark, only for Alaves to equalize through Theo Hernandez three minutes later. However, a quickfire double on the cusp of half time from Neymar and Paco Alcacer put the game to bed and ensured that Luis Enrique ended his tenure at Barcelona with another addition to his impressive trophy haul.
With the cup triumph, Barcelona became the first team to lift the Copa three seasons in a row since the early 1950’s. Here is how the Barcelona players fared on the night:
Barcelona Player Ratings
Jasper Cillessen – 6/10
First appearance since February and the rustiness was evident. Lucky he did not concede after being beaten from Ibai Gomez’s shot. There wasn’t much he could do about Theo Hernandez’s free-kick.
Javier Mascherano – NA
Taken off 10 minutes into the game after a clash of heads with Marcos Llorente.
Gerard Pique – 6/10
Returned to the line-up after missing out the last two games. Apart from the one big error that almost cost his team, the Spaniard was a commanding presence at the back.
Samuel Umtiti – 7/10
Another solid outing from the Frenchman on the last game of his debut season. Played a role in Neymar’s goal. Booked.
Jordi Alba – 6/10
His forward forays were a danger, but could have done a bit more in the defensive sense. One poor pass in the second half put Cillessen under pressure.
Sergio Busquets – 6.5/10
A decent performance from the Spaniard in the middle of the park, but he couldn’t completely stamp his authority on the game.
Ivan Rakitic – 6/10
Was mostly asked to protect the right-back position, which was a weak-link and did so decently. Did not venture forward a lot, but when he did, his two shots were off target.
Andres Iniesta – 7.5/10
One of his better games of the season, as he brought the control and fluidity to Barcelona’s game in the midfield. It was his 30th trophy with the Catalans. Wow!
Lionel Messi – 9/10
Opened the scoring with a sumptuous finish after a neat exchange with Neymar – his 54th goal of the season, then set Andre Gomes off who in turn teed Neymar up for the second goal, before going on mazy run and passing to Alcacer for the third. Just brilliant from Barca’s little magician.
Paco Alcacer – 7/10
Came in for the injured Luis Suarez. Produced a smart drilled finish from Messi’s pass to put the result beyond a doubt close to half-time.
Neymar – 8/10
Was a menace on the left-flank with his pace and dribbling. Set Messi up for the first goal, before being hugely involved in the move for the second, which he himself finished. Put in a shift defensively too.
Substitutes
Andre Gomes – 8/10
Replaced the injured Mascherano ten minutes into the game at right-back. Did well to set Neymar up for the second with a low cross. A confident display from the Portuguese.
Aleix Vidal – NA
Replaced Rakitic in the 83rd minute, to make his first appearance in more than three months.