Barcelona emphatic in Copa del Rey thumping over Real Murcia

Barcelona claimed a thumping 5-0 second leg win over Real Murcia (8-0 on aggregate) to ease into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

It was a performance in contrast to the one turned in by rivals Real Madrid the night before, with Zinedine Zidane’s side wholly unconvincing in the 2-2 home draw with lower league Fuenlabrada. But Barcelona made a statement in their victory over the visitors to the Camp Nou.

Paco Alcacer opened the scoring in the first half, with Gerard Pique, Aleix Vidal, Denis Suarez and Jose Arnaiz all adding their name to the scoresheet as Barcelona put their foot down on the accelerator late on in the game.

It was a performance in keeping with the start to the season Ernesto Valverde’s men have made, at least in the domestic competitions. On this basis, they are favourites in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They are the team to beat.

In both legs of this Copa del Rey victory, Arnaiz made quite the impression. Some players just give you a sense of their readiness, of their suitability for playing on the big stage, for a club as big as Barcelona. Arnaiz has that air about him, giving Barca a real sense of urgency and intensity in the second half. He could be registered for the senior squad in January, so is he ready?

The right back turned right winger has been something of a maligned figure since joining Barcelona from Sevilla two years ago. Indeed, Vidal is seen as the epitome of the Catalan club’s shoddy transfer strategy over the past few seasons, struggling to justify a place at the Camp Nou. But he was in sparkling form this evening, finding the net with a looping header, also creating countless chances for the hosts.

Barcelona - Cillessen 5, Semedo 6, Pique 7, Vermaelen 6, Digne 6, Vidal 8, Alena 6, Busquets 5, Denis 7, Deulofeu 7, Alcacer 6. Subs - Arnaiz 7.

Real Murcia - Santome 5, Fede 5, Orfila 6, Mateos 6, Melgar 5, Llorente 4, Sanchez 5, Juanma 5, Nadjib 4, Renato 5, Molinero 4.

15’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Real Murcia (4-0 aggregate): That's really unlucky on Real Murcia. Vidal was trying to square the ball into the box, but it bounced up off a Real Murcia defender and right on to the head of Alcacer, who finished into the empty net.

56’ GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Real Murcia (5-0 on aggregate): There's a goal for Pique! the centre back held up the ball, played it out to Vidal, who played a good pass back into the defender. Pique then had the task of a simple finish from close range

60’ GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Real Murcia (6-0 on aggregate): Vidal has added his name to the scoresheet! The right back turned right winger loops a header over the Real Murcia goalkeper. That's a nice one for the collection. Well taken.

73’ GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Real Murcia (7-0 on aggregate): That's a wonderful goal! Roberto clips a pass through to Denis, who takes it down brilliantly and slots a finish past the Real Murcia goalkeeper. Fantastic stuff from Barcelona!

77’ GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Real Murcia (8-0 on aggregate): Another excellent goal from Barcelona and this time it's Arnaiz who grabs it! He got in behind the Real Murcia backline and curled a calm and composed finish past the goalkeeper.

Paco Alcacer has scored more headed goals than any other Barcelona player this season in all competitions (two).

Barcelona is looking to be the first team to win the Copa del Rey in four consecutive seasons since Athletic Bilbao in the 1930s.