Deserved win for Koeman’s men and easily their best performance this season against a top team. Lopetegui was justified for keeping his A-listers fresh for the 2nd leg of the cup semi, but might he have ceded a psychological advantage with that game against the same opponents just four days away?
As for Koeman, he deserves credit for a 5-3-2 formation that covered a few issues that Barca have faced in these games. There was more solidity in the centre of defence, more liberation for Sergino Dest to play as an attacking wing-back and Ousmane Dembele as the lone forward shone in what has to be considered his best display for Barcelona this season.