Why fit Messi made a cameo appearance against Real Madrid

Lionel Messi was consigned to the bench for yesterday’s Copa del Rey El Clasico because it was the best decision for the team and the player and that’s according to the man who made the decision, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde. Messi injured his thigh in Saturday’s 2-2 La Liga draw against Valencia. The Argentine striker scored twice in that game but wasn’t risked from the start in last night’s semi-final first leg.

Valverde introduced Messi for the last half-an-hour, just after Malcom had equalised for the home side. “The decisions you make are based on what you think is better for the team and the player,” the boss said.”He had discomfort. Today he was better but we thought it was best he enter in the second half. He could be decisive because we know the danger he creates every time he gets the ball.”

La Liga leaders Barcelona make the trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and Valverde is hopeful Messi may be ready to start. He said: “I don’t know. If he’s okay, he’ll play. I hope it’s like that. Lucas Vazquez’s sixth-minute opener had given Real Madrid the lead at the Nou Camp. Barcelona are aiming to win their fifth Copa del Rey in a row.

Asked if Los Blancos were now the favourites ahead of the second leg on February 27, Valverde said he knew the challenge awaiting his team. “We are forced to score in the Bernabeu, that is evident,” he added. “But there is still a lot left before that game. We have to be calm and we will have time to focus.”

Barcelona were without Ousmane Dembele, Jasper Cillessen, Samuel Umtiti and Rafinha for the cup clash. Real Madrid’s only absentee meanwhile is defender Jesus Vallejo. Madrid started the Match as the brighter side with Lucas Vasquez scoring in the 6th minute to put give the Galacticos a deserved lead.

Vinicius Junior came in from the left wing and floated a ball for Karim Benzema after he had pulled out to the right, and the Frenchman took a touch before picking out Lucas, who guided the ball into the far corner with his left foot from just a couple of yards out.

It was not until the 58th minute that Malcom was able to equalise for the Blaugrana, who were the better side in the second half. The 1-1 scoreline makes things interesting going into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu in three weeks’ time.