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Denis Suarez shines for Barca in Copa del Rey, Gerard Deulofeu disappoints

Barcelona are into the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey after a 5-0 win over Real Murcia saw them progress 8-0 on aggregate.

The goals for Ernesto Valverde's side, who are looking to win the competition for the fourth successive season, came from five different scorers.

Paco Alcacer got the first in the first half, with Gerard Pique, Aleix Vidal, Denis Suarez and Jose Arnaiz all cashing in after the break.

Positives

Valverde will have been delighted with the contribution from the Barca B players. Carles Alena looks like he's been playing in first team for years, while there were debuts for Oriol Busquets and David Costas. Arnaiz provided a spark off the bench, too, while first team fringe players Vidal and Denis also made their cases for more minutes.

Negatives

On a comfortable night for Barca, one player who may come away disappointed is Gerard Deulofeu. Despite his pace getting him into dangerous areas, he failed to really take advantage in the final third of the pitch.

Manager rating out of 10:

7 -- The perfect night for Valverde. Gave the bulk of his first team the evening off, but also managed to avoid a cup shock while breeding a number of reserve team players.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Jasper Cillessen, 6 -- Didn't have a save to make in just his second appearance of the season. Should have brought a seat with him.

DF Nelson Semedo, 6 -- Provided problems in attack with his pace, but had nothing to do at the back. Taken off early in the second half with the tie won.

DF Gerard Pique, 7 -- Captain for the night, Pique was included in the side after missing the Valencia game through suspension. Was rarely tested in defence, so decided to play further forward. Even got himself a goal, controlling the ball on the edge of the area, laying it off and then scoring from the cross when it came back into the box.

DF Thomas Vermaelen, 6 -- A second-consecutive start for the Belgian for the first time in over a year. Didn't put a foot wrong, but will have tougher nights.

DF Lucas Digne, 6 -- A solid performance from the left-back, who looked to join in Barca's attacks whenever possible.

MF Oriol Busquets, 7 -- No relation to his namesake Sergio but a similar player in many ways. The 18-year-old was making his debut for the club here and will be very pleased with his performance. Comfortable on the ball and not afraid to pass between the lines.

MF Denis Suarez, 8 -- Quiet in the first half but brilliant in the second period. It's almost as if he realised he was playing against a third-division side. Able to beat men at will, scored a well-taken goal and produced a lovely flick for Arnaiz's goal.

MF Carles Alena, 7 -- It's easy to see why the 19-year-old Barca B midfielder is so highly rated. Looks so comfortable in the Barca style.

FW Aleix Vidal, 8 -- An all action performance from Vidal, who got better and better as the game progressed. Scored a brilliant looping header and was involved in a number of the other goals, too. Was clearly enjoying himself.

FW Paco Alcacer, 6 -- In the right place at the right time to head into an opening net, opening the scoring. Will have been disappointed not to add to his tally as Murcia tired in the second half.

FW Gerard Deulofeu, 5 -- A frustrating night for the winger. Had the pace to cause so many problems, but failed to use the ball well in the final third. Often ran the ball out of play or failed to find a teammate in the area.

Substitutes

DF David Costas, 6 -- A Barcelona debut for the young centre-back, a summer signing from Celta Vigo for the B team.

MF Sergi Roberto, 7 -- Took the armband has he came on in the second half, returning from a hamstring strain. Produced a sublime pass for Denis' goal.

FW Jose Arnaiz, 7 -- Followed up his goal in the first leg with another here, a fine left footed finish from just inside the area.