Copa del Rey: FC Barcelona 4-1 FC Cartagena: Player Ratings

Another game, another goal allowed for Pinto. Once again, though, he couldn't do much to prevent Fernando from putting Cartagena in an unlikely lead. With Cartagena applying much less pressure than Barça's two previous opponents Pinto looked much more confident in net. Apart from the early minutes Pinto enjoyed a very stress-free game.

Adriano had a quiet game and history has proven that Adriano's best games usually come when the Brazilian goes largely unnoticed throughout the game. Making just his second start of the season at right-back Adriano didn't look out of place. Defensively he wasn't tested much as most of the Cartagena traffic went down Alba's side. Adriano's largest impact on the game came on offense when he provided the assist for Cesc's goal – Adriano's first attacking contribution since late in September against UD Almería.

The young center-back had a good, solid game in defense. He wasn't necessarily tested much as Cartagena seemed rather determined that they will pressure Puyol instead of the youngster. But when put in a position to make the play Bartra more often that not came away with control of the ball. His domination in the air game was also very refreshing to see as we've become far to used to seeing our players getting beat in the air.

The captain had an up and down game. He started the match making a poor clearance that lead to a quick Cartagena chance, but just minutes later made a good defensive play to stop an attack. Once again, Puyol was mostly exposed on the speed side of the game, especially in the 17th minute when he was unable to catch up to Fernando, who is not known for his speed. Puyol settled down in the second half when he made a few good plays to finish the game on a positive note.

Making his first appearance after about two months on the sidelines, this was a perfect game for the little speedster to get some playing time. Alba made several darting runs down the left side, and he proved to be too much too handle for the Cartagena defense. He even had a good chance to get on the scoreboard, but fired over the crossbar. But it wasn't all well for Alba as a lot of Cartagena chances came down his side, and the fact that he played Fernando onside allowed the hosts to open the scoring in the first place.

A surprise starter at pivote, Busquets delivered a measured performance in the centre of the park, recycling possession as per usual, although it was also evident that Busi was conserving some energy. Given his hectic schedule, I'm sure he'll be relishing a chance to rest when the two teams meet again in a little over a week's time.

Throughout pre-season, Sergi Roberto gave the impression that he was ready to burst onto the scene at FC Barcelona, but now, after an extended spell on the Barça bench, he looks a completely different player. Those driving runs from midfield were a distant memory, while he was perfectly adequate for both the match and the system, I had an overwhelming feeling that Roberto simply couldn't contribute much more. A few more matches should sort that out.

What can you say about Alex Song? He looked relatively comfortable in this game -- but it was against third-tier opposition. And even if he did look comfortable, Song still couldn't excel. Maybe it would be best if the two parties went their separate ways in January...

After an electric start to the match which saw the Chilean flash an early shot just past the post, Alexis had another somewhat subdued night in attack, as he was overshadowed by Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and even the late substitute, Jean-Marie Dongou. That's not to say that he played badly -- just that he didn't live up to expectations following his recent run of good form.

Oft-criticised for having the audacity to play in the position coach Gerardo Martino selects him in, Fabregas was even criticised for his display against Cartagena. Apparently a goal and an assist isn't good enough. On a similar note, would Culés prefer that Fabregas simply played fewer minutes, or perhaps feature more prominently in midfield, further limiting young Sergi Roberto's development?

This brings us to another "fan favourite", Pedro, who grabbed a brace to take his tally for the season to an impressive nine goals. That may place him ahead of Alexis Sanchez, Neymar and Cesc Fabregas, but again, it isn't enough to appease some "Culés"...

Dongou has somehow combined raw talent with the reactions of a veteran poacher -- making him one of the brightest talents to emerge from La Masia in recent years. Give him a chance and he will score -- maybe Eusebio's B team aren't quite as adept at providing Dongol with chances, but if anything, I'd argue that this means we need to accelerate his development. Give him a chance against Celtic on Wednesday, let him start the return leg and see what happens. What's the worst that could happen?

I'm surprised that this performance is being perceived somewhat negatively, and has been rated so "poorly" -- Barcelona still had more than enough to defeat Cartagena, and didn't use any extra energy to do so. That's a good display in my eyes.

Martino's team selection got the job done, and that's all there really is to say.

Unsurprisingly the Man of the Match award was given to Pedro for his brace, as the Spanish winger claimed over half the vote.