Posted by Andy Booth on 01/30/13
Cristiano Ronaldo put in a fast and furious performance as Real Madrid earned a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Ronaldo had several opportunities during the game and was extremely unlucky not to convert any of them into goals.
The game was energetic and fast-paced throughout, both Messi and Ronaldo the main men in the early stages. Ronaldo had one early free-kick which was brilliantly saved by Pinto and Messi was menacing as ever with his dribbling skills going forward.
Despite several opportunities for both sides, defenses were on top until after the break. Several chances were spurned in the first half that would usually have been converted on both ends of the pitch.
The deadlock was finally broken on the 50th minute when Messi capitalised on a defensive lapse to provide an inch-perfect pass that was weighted perfectly to Fabregas. The Catalan and former Arsenal man made no mistake as he smashed the ball beyond step-in goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Barcelona could have scored a second as they continued to push forward, Messi being denied on several occasions with last ditch challenges. However it was Los Blancos who would score next when Mesut Ozil's expert delivery in the 83rd minute picked out a towering Varane, the young French defender's header powered beyond Pinto.
It was a surprising end to a game where Messi and Ronaldo were both excellently contained throughout, however all remains to be played for.
The second leg will now be played on the 27th of February at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
Ronaldo had several opportunities during the game and was extremely unlucky not to convert any of them into goals.
The game was energetic and fast-paced throughout, both Messi and Ronaldo the main men in the early stages. Ronaldo had one early free-kick which was brilliantly saved by Pinto and Messi was menacing as ever with his dribbling skills going forward.
Despite several opportunities for both sides, defenses were on top until after the break. Several chances were spurned in the first half that would usually have been converted on both ends of the pitch.
The deadlock was finally broken on the 50th minute when Messi capitalised on a defensive lapse to provide an inch-perfect pass that was weighted perfectly to Fabregas. The Catalan and former Arsenal man made no mistake as he smashed the ball beyond step-in goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Barcelona could have scored a second as they continued to push forward, Messi being denied on several occasions with last ditch challenges. However it was Los Blancos who would score next when Mesut Ozil's expert delivery in the 83rd minute picked out a towering Varane, the young French defender's header powered beyond Pinto.
It was a surprising end to a game where Messi and Ronaldo were both excellently contained throughout, however all remains to be played for.
The second leg will now be played on the 27th of February at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
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