Barcelona defeated Murcia in their La Condomina stadium (0-3) in the first round of the Copa del Rey, first leg. Although the quality and budget of both clubs is worlds apart, the hosts made themselves proud and became far more difficult to overcome than the Catalans would have anticipated.
Ernesto Valverde rotated the team extensively, as expected. The inclusion of non-regulars Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes, Nelson Semedo, Vermaelen and B players Carles Aleñà and Jose Arnaiz gave Cules plenty of storylines to focus on, which made the match far more interesting from the initial whistle.
Here is a selection of Francesc Tomas’ tweets during the match:
Deulofeu makes things so complicated that brilliance and total chaos can’t help but go hand in hand. #FCBLive #MurciaBarca— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
Alcacer is so frustrated with himself that, when on the pitch, he overcomplicates his every move. Let’s hope he scores #FCBLive #MurciaBarca— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
Not really running free yet, but Arnaiz’s positioning, runs and insistence the get involved are encouraging. #FCBLive #MurciaBarca— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
Barca making Murcia look like a Champions League contender right now. Time to get control back, Culés!! #FCBLive #MurciaBarca— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
Agreed, Murcia are no Atleti in defence. But what Arnaiz is doing today he could most certainly do at Primera Division level. #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
Arnaiz a mixture of Villa and Nolito tonight. Looks more than ready for first team action! #FCBLive #MurciaBarca— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
While there were plenty of positives to celebrate from an individual perspective, the fact that Barcelona was not always in control of the game despite facing a third-tier team must also be highlighted. Having said that, the Blaugrana victory was never truly in question, particularly after Paco Alcacer’s opening goal. The team’s lack of overall cohesion can be interpreted as a result of the limited playing time these Barca players have enjoyed together of late.
Another day, another win. Job done, and on to the next one!
Match Stats:
Player Ratings:
Cillessen – 8
Semedo – 6
Mascherano – 8
Vermaelen – 6
Digne – 6
Gomes – 6
Aleñà – 7
Denis – 7
Deulofeu – 7
Alcacer – 7
Arnaiz – 9
Subs:
Sergi Roberto – 6
Rakitic – 6
Cucurella – 6
Now it’s your turn: Who was YOUR Man of the Match?
Who was your Man of the Match vs Murcia? PS: NEW show now live at https://t.co/lvb45pEcUQ, check it out ????— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) October 24, 2017
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