Barcelona cruised past Real Murcia in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 16 tie, with five different scorers getting their names on the scoresheet, in what was a footballing masterclass at the Nou Camp.
Ernesto Valverde took the opportunity to rest some key players and call up some Barcelona B players and some fringe first-team players to give them some valuable minutes. As expected, they dominated throughout, scoring five goals and maintaining 71% of the possession.
Paco Alcacer started the rout in the 16th minute and Gerard Pique, Aleix Vidal, Denis Suarez also chipped in with some more goals, before Jose Arnaiz slammed in the final nail of the coffin in the 79th minute.
Aleix Vidal, whho started only his second game this season was cast upfront, rather than his usual right-back role. PLaying as a part of a front three, the 28-year-old didn’t disappoint, scoring 1 and assisting another.
Aleix Vidal against Murcia today:
Passes (Acc.): 58 (80%)
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Key passes: 3
Chances created: 2
Dribbles (successful): 4 (3)
Interceptions: 2 pic.twitter.com/HCJrOdPp6P— CE Stats (@CEStats) November 29, 2017
Aleix Vidal is a better No 9 than Suarez apparently. What a brilliant header that was. Poacher style.
— Alex Truica (@AlexTruica) November 29, 2017
Semedo & Aleix Vidal clearly have an understanding.
That goal was sexy. This is the Barca I know.
— Tobi (@_ATTG_) November 29, 2017
Aleix Vidal playing like a man with something to prove.
— kevinwilliams (@kevvwill) November 29, 2017
Is it only me or aleix vidal looked like an ideal captain???
— -Dåtti☠️? (@Sirajo_) November 29, 2017
Paco Alcacer didn’t disappoint either, scoring his 3rd 4th goals of the season in what was only his fifth start this season.
Paco Alcacer deserves some minutes in the Celta game.
— Nijan (@NijanLahiriFCB) November 30, 2017
Paco Alcácer: “Every time I score, I am happy, but more than for me, for the team’s work. If it was not for my team mates, it would not be the same.” #fcblive
— FC Barcelona Fl (@FCBarcelonaFl) November 30, 2017
2 – Paco Alcacer has scored more headed goals than any other Barcelona player this season in all competitions. Hunter. pic.twitter.com/zA1w7cGsme
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 29, 2017
Paco Alcacer looking calm and conifdent infront of goal, something Suarez isent at the moment.
— Sjr. (@ASakkaaa) November 29, 2017
Paco Alcacer is miles ahead of Suarez rn. Suarez needs to taste the bench for some time.
— Bobby Axelrod (@Chizu19_) November 29, 2017
paco alcacer is on fire
— 4.13 (12-9) (@MaruMesut) November 29, 2017
But it was the youngsters of the game who stole the spotlight. Fans heaped praise on the likes Jose Anraiz, Carles Alena, Denis Suarez and Oriol Busquets, who all put in superb shifts on the night.
DENIS SUAREZ AGAIN STOP PLEASE!pic.twitter.com/aJxxvQFdQL
— Sjr. (@ASakkaaa) November 29, 2017
Carles Aleña against Murcia today:
Passes (Acc.): 58 (95%)
Key passes: 4
Dribbles (successful): 3 (3)
Tackles: 3
Duels won: 7— CE Stats (@CEStats) November 29, 2017
Arnaiz is a gem. Should definitely start over Deulofeu. Hoping Valverde has these performences in mind.??? pic.twitter.com/r0c8pZeD0x
— ⑭ (@Arnaizismo_) November 29, 2017
If we can develop oriol Busquets, Carles Alena and Denis Suarez we have our future mid-field Trio these guys are awesome.
— Sjr. (@ASakkaaa) November 29, 2017
Oriol Busquets has easily been the best player on the pitch thus far. Had a shaky start but has completely settled into the game. Refreshing to see a player who can pass the ball forward between the lines.
— Zak (@Samperology) November 29, 2017
Keep an eye on Oriol Busquets. I’ve heard great things about him. Bit of a long shot but will be more important than Samper.
— J (@PureRegista) November 29, 2017
Just finished with the Barça game. Very good game from us, intensity was high. Denis was easily motm imo. Oriol Busquets very impressive, Aleña good. Semedo impressive as he usually is. Arnaiz is a killer man.
Deulofeu does one good thing and 5 retarded things. Vidal is shit.
— Cruijffista (@LaComputadora14) November 29, 2017
José Arnaiz scored a goal in his debut and in his second match as well.
I wonder when the last time was a player scored in his first two matches for the club.
— ᑳarçalεv (@Barsalev) November 29, 2017
Arnaiz, man. He and Alena are going to solve quite a few problems next year.
— kevinwilliams (@kevvwill) November 29, 2017
Man, José Arnaiz is so good. Along with Aleñá, he has to get promoted next summer, but it’s no point to keep saying this, because we all know it’s not going to happen. Such a shame.
— Rohan (@MrKhiara) November 30, 2017
Decent first half. Sub Arnaiz on for Deulo. Forever.
— Diana Kristinne (@DianaKristinne) November 29, 2017
That 3rd goal was orchestrated by Aleña. The ball recovery, the quick pass between the lines; this is the player who deserves to be playing in midfield alongside Busi and Iniesta, not Denis Suárez.
— Juan (@socraticjuan) November 29, 2017
Apparently, Aleñá has a better technical quality, decision making, and ability to pass between the lines than Rakitić. This is the player that deserves to start alongside Busquets and Iniesta, not Rakitić.
— Cruyffista (@BusquetsLegacy) November 29, 2017
Won’t enter any futile discussions. Just here to say that Xavi, Iniesta & Messi all rate Denis Suarez.
— Muy de Laportismo (@MoRosement) November 29, 2017
Denis Suarez has been criminally underrated by our own fans. I don’t get this. he is our top 4 midfielder.
— MØ ? (@FutbolisticMO) November 29, 2017
Denis Suarez stats and heat map against Murcia today:
Passes (Acc.): 96 (84%)
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Key passes: 3
Dribbles (successful): 8 (7)
Chances created: 2
Interceptions: 2
Duels won: 9 pic.twitter.com/FfeIVcXAFr— CE Stats (@CEStats) November 29, 2017
After today’s performance, it’s absolute robbery if Valverde doesn’t give Denis Suarez more playing time!
— Rodrigue Ns (Rigo) (@rigo_futbol10) November 29, 2017
Who says Denis-Suarez cannot be the next Iniesta? He needs more minutes on the pitch to improve. Stop badmouthing him!
— Selasi H (@harry_specter) November 29, 2017