Barcelona came from behind to hit Granada 5-3 After an extension in the exciting quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday in the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes.
Goals from Kenedy and Roberto Soldado had the home team on track for a surprise win, but an 88th-minute own goal by Aaron Escandell and a header in the 92nd minute from Jordi Alba took the game into overtime. Antoine Griezmann gave Barca an early lead in the extra 30 minutes but Granada leveled just before the break Believe Vico scored a penalty after Sergino Dest was found fouled Carlos Neva. However, Barca replied again with Frenkie de Jong Alba restored his lead and added his second goal with a stunning volley to ensure Ronald Koeman’s side make it through to the semi-finals on Friday.
positive
This felt like a big night for Koeman’s side. Any doubts about their togetherness were sparked with a rousing comeback that will fill them with faith. They scored five, but it could have been 10 – or more. They registered 36 shots and hit the woodwork three times by Francisco Trincao. Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi.
There were great performances all over the field, especially from Griezmann who scored one goal and scored three goals. The France International really took responsibility when the tie looked lost. Messi’s fingerprints were also seen on most of the goals, even when he didn’t score.
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Finally De Jong and Pedri showed incredible in-game intelligence to know when to pick their moments to attack and when to help defend when Barca took risks to get back into the game.
Negatives
This was two steps back Samuel umtiti after some encouraging signs in the last few weeks following his recovery from a long-term knee problem. Despite some decent performances, doubts have remained about his ability to compete consistently and against better opponents. He got stuck against Granada and made mistakes on both goals before leaving in the second half. Sergi RobertoHe made his first start in two months and was taken off the field injured in the second half.
Manager rating of 10
7 – Koeman’s attack changes haven’t worked in the past, but this time they have resolved. Dembele and Riqui Puig were particularly good from the bank.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK Marc-André ter Stegen, 7 – Couldn’t do much against the goals and was a great sweeper late on, winning a header in the run-up to Alba’s first goal.
2 relatives
DF Sergi Roberto, 6 – His return was canceled when he was injured in the second half.
DF Ronald araujo, 7 – Some unusual mistakes were made in the first half but they were phenomenal when Barca came back as he was the only full defender on the field.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 4 – Was put in a difficult spot for the first goal but still should never lose the ball in its own box. At the second goal he was caught watching the ball and then didn’t have the pace to keep up with the 35-year-old Soldado.
DF Jordi Alba, 9 – Has shown incredible energy to go on attack after attack. Received two brilliant goals and an assist.
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 – Read the game well, but was replaced by Puig when Koeman wanted more offensive impetus.
Antoine Griezmann and Jordi Alba were impeccable in Barcelona’s unlikely comeback win over Granada. High Quality Sports Pictures / Getty Images
MF Frenkie de Jong, 9 – A tireless achievement that takes on different roles throughout the night depending on the needs of the team. He won balls back in defense and scored his sixth goal of the season at the other end.
MF Pedri, 8 – Like De Jong, chose his moments well. The ball was taped on his feet in and around the Granada box and he was also good at tracking.
FW Francisco Trincao, 6 – Still waiting for his first Barca goal. Tried in the first half and smashed the underside of the crossbar just before the jump in the 62nd minute.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 9 – He probably thought it wasn’t his night when Aaron saved a spectacular kick on his bike, but his luck changed. His shot from the post was turned by Aaron for Barca’s first goal home. He set up both Alba goals and scored one of his own goals in a virtuoso performance. Now has 12 goals this season.
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FW Lionel Messi, 8 – He didn’t score but his crosses after the post resulted in the first two goals. His shot resulted in De Jong’s goal. He didn’t stop.
Substitutions
DF Sergino Dest, 6 – Unfortunately the penalty was given for a light barge on the Neva.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 7 – Beat the woodwork, deliver some dangerous crosses and cause trouble with his pace.
FW Martin Braithwaite, 6 – Had a header saved in extra time and was present in and around the box.
MF Riqui Puig, 7 – Wasn’t directly involved in any of the goals but his presence played a huge role in Barca’s improvement.
