Barcelona ratings v Linares in Copa del Rey: Puig 4, Alves 7, Busquets 8

Holders Barca survive early scare to advance past third-tier opponents

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  BARCELONA RATINGS: Neto 5 Uncomfortable evening for Barca’s second choice goalkeeper against a third tier team. Neto’s blushes were saved by the linesman’s flag after he conceded a soft effort in the 68th minute. Didn’t react to a curled 74th minute shot either. Rusty. AFP

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  Ronald Araujo 6 Off at HT injured against a side who are 14th in a league that Barça’s reserve team play in. That’s how much Barça were shook up by a side who led until the 62nd minute. EPA

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  Oscar Mingueza 6 Under pressure from the minnows playing at home in front of 10,000 passionate fans, despite Barça having 84% of possession. Set up Dembele’s equaliser. EPA

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  Eric Garcia 6 Played on the left of a three-man defence and in a poor defensive performance by Barca. AFP

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  Jordi Alba 5 Played on the left of a midfield five in a 3-5-2 formation. Set up Alvaro Sanz on 87 with a simple chance, with his boss Xavi shouting throughout. “It has been a victory of faith,” said Xavi. “I tried not to let the players relax because a mistake could eliminate us, so maybe I was a little more intense on the bench.” AFP

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  Riqui Puig 4 The darling of Barca’s online fans had the best passing accuracy in Sunday's win at Mallorca… and the worst against Linares as he kept giving the ball away and struck a shot well over. Taken off at half time with his side a goal down. EPA

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  Sergio Busquets 8 Man of the match and surrounded by home players at the end who wanted the shirt of the most respected Barça starter in Spain. Linares were worthy opponents and unlucky to lose against a Barça side who had to give everything. AFP

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  Nico 7 Gave the ball away near the half-way line, for a Linares striker to chip Neto from 50 yards. Missed a big chance himself, which saw Xavi screaming. “It was a difficult game,” said his boss. “People expected a win, but football is no longer like that. Against any organised team it costs a lot to win, modern football has a high level in all categories.” AFP

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  Dani Alves 7 Aged 38 and his first game back for the club he served so well after accepting the minimum annual wage of €150,000. Played on the right and cross for Alba who should have done better. Energetic until the last. Involved in Dembele’s equaliser and the most creative Barca player. EPA

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  Ilias Akhomach 6 Played up front alongside Jutgla for this injury hit, covid hit, suspension hit. The 17-year-old was unconvincing and came off at half time. Made immense progress but still learning. AFP

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  Ferran Jutgla 7 Played against Linares for Barca’s B team in a previous fixture which Barca won. What he lacks in skill he makes up for in intensity and will to win. Shot just wide on 67 and then put Barca ahead a minute later, cutting in from the left before an excellent finish. "We had to be smart in the second half and that’s how we did it,” he said. AFP

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  SUBS: Gerard Pique 7 On for Araujo at HT as Xavi brought some big guns on with his side losing against the third-tier team. Fine. AFP

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  Ousmane Dembele Dembele 7 On for Illias at HT. Criticised by the Catalan media as he’s linked with a move away after refusesing to sign a new contract for less than €25m per year and can leave on a free in June. The Frenchman got the 62nd minute equaliser, beating his man and curling past the goalkeeper. Blasted against the bar on 79th. AFP

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  Frenkie de Jong 5 On for Puig at HT. Lasted just 29 minutes before coming off injured. Managed to pick up a booking in that time. Sanz On for De Jong after 74, the 20-year-old central midfielder showed some flashes of skill.

Holders Barcelona survived a scare as they fought back to secure a 2-1 win at third-tier side Linares Deportivo in the Copa del Rey.

Barca made the trip to Andalucia missing several players due to Covid-19 and injuries, but coach Xavi Hernandez still decided to rest some key names for the last-32 tie and they fell behind in the 19th minute to a Hugo Diaz header.

Xavi then brought on Frenkie de Jong, Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele in the second half, with the French winger equalising with a low long shot that keeper Brimah Razak failed to stop.

A few minutes later, young academy striker Ferran Jutgla scored the winner with a cross-shot from the corner of the box after a counter-attack.

It was another poor display from Barcelona, who are fifth in the LaLiga standings, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

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