Barcelona recovered from a disadvantage to beat Granada 5-3 after extra time in an exciting Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes.
Goals from Kenedy and Roberto Soldado put the hosts on the right path for a surprising victory, but a goal from Aaron Escandell in the 88th minute and a header from Jordi Alba in the 92nd minute took the game into overtime. Antoine Griezmann put Barça ahead at the start of the additional 30 minutes, but Granada drew just before the break when Fede Vico scored a penalty after Sergino Dest was accused of having fouled Carlos Neva. However, Barça responded again, with Frenkie de Jong restoring the lead and Alba adding his second of the night with an impressive volley to ensure that Ronald Koeman’s team will be in Friday’s semi-final draw.
Positives
It felt like a big night for Koeman. Any doubts about their union were bombarded with a stimulating return that will fill them with faith. They scored five, but they could have been 10 – or more. They recorded 36 shots and hit the wood three times, through Francisco Trincao, Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi.
There were great performances across the field, especially Griezmann, who scored one and rode three. The French international really took responsibility when the tie looked lost. Messi’s fingerprints were also spread across most goals, in another sensational display, even though he didn’t score.
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Finally, De Jong and Pedri showed incredible levels of intelligence in the game to know when to choose their moments to attack and when to help in defense when Barça was taking risks to get back in the game.
Negatives
This represented two steps back for Samuel Umtiti, after some encouraging signs in the past few weeks after his recovery from a long-standing knee problem. Despite some decent displays, doubts remain about his ability to play consistently and against better opponents. Against Granada, he came at a disadvantage, making mistakes in both goals before being eliminated in the second half. Sergi Roberto, who makes his debut after two months away, was sent off injured in the second half.
Manager rating out of 10
7 – The changes in Koeman’s attack have not worked in the past, but this time they came out. Dembele and Riqui Puig were especially good off the bench.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 – He could do little for the goals and was a great goalkeeper at the end of the game, taking a high step to win a header in preparation for Alba’s first goal.
DF Sergi Roberto, 6 – His return was interrupted when he was sent off due to an injury in the second half.
DF Ronald Araujo, 7 – He made some atypical mistakes in the first half, but it was phenomenal when Barça returned, considering he was the only absolute defender left on the field.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 4 – He was placed in a complicated position for the first goal, but he must never lose the ball in the area. For the second goal, he was caught looking at the ball and had no pace to keep up with Soldado, 35.
DF Jordi Alba, 9 – It showed incredible energy to join an attack after attack. He got his reward with two brilliantly scored goals and an assist.
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 – Read the game well, but was replaced by Puig when Koeman wanted more offensive momentum.
MF Frenkie de Jong, 9 – A tireless performance, assuming various functions throughout the night according to the needs of the team. He won the ball in defense and scored his sixth goal of the season at the other end.
MF Pedri, 8 – Like De Jong, he chose his moments well. The ball was glued to his feet in and around the Granada area and he was good at tracking too.
FW Francisco Trincao, 6 – Still waiting for his first goal at Barça. He had a fall in the first half and hit the bottom of the bar 62 minutes before leaving.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 9 – He probably thought it wasn’t his night when Aaron defended a spectacular bicycle kick, but his luck changed. His shot off the post was deflected by Aaron to Barça’s first, he set up Alba’s two goals and scored one of his own in a virtuous display. Now he has 12 goals this season.
FW Lionel Messi, 8 – He didn’t score, but his crosses on the crossbar led to the first two goals, his shot led to De Jong’s shot, hit the iron and drew defense after Aaron’s defense. He didn’t stop.
Substitutions
DF Sergino Dest, 6 – Unfortunately, he was punished by a light barge on Neva.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 7 – He hit the nail on the head, made some dangerous crosses and caused problems with his pace.
FW Martin Braithwaite, 6 – He had a header saved in overtime and was a presence in and around the area.
MF Riqui Puig, 7 – He did not have a direct involvement in any of the goals, but his presence played an important role in improving Barça.