FC Barcelona booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2013-2014 Copa del Rey last night with an emphatic 5-1 win over Levante UD at the Camp Nou, but the best result of the night was not to be found in Catalunya. In fact, the best result was found in the Basque Country as Barcelona's title rivals, Atletico Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao to set up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown with city rivals, Real Madrid. The tie means that Barça's two closest rivals will square off three times in the next couple of weeks -- what's not to like?
Especially given just how well the Blaugrana are playing. Despite rotating almost all of his players, Gerardo Martino was able to mastermind Barça to another comfortable victory. Sure, the Blaugrana did fall a goal behind but they responded magnificently and the 5-1 scoreline only hints at their dominance over poor Levante. From Adriano Correia to Carles Puyol and Cesc Fabregas, almost everyone was getting in on the act.
Andres Iniesta stepped up his recovery with an impressive 45 minute display. Ibrahim Afellay got another half-hour under his belt. Alexis Sanchez grabbed a couple of goals and Martin Montoya performed well at full back. All over the field, there were positives to be seen; except perhaps for Alex Song and Sergi Roberto, both of whom looked a step or two off the pace. Or dare I say, a step below the rest of the squad.
But let's not dwell on that; Barcelona are just two matches away from contesting their first final under Gerardo Martino.