Vinicius 8/10 in showing he belongs in the Clasico as Madrid draw at Barca

Wednesday's Clasico Copa del Rey semifinal first leg at the Camp Nou finished 1-1. Lucas Vazquez's close-range finish had Real Madrid deservedly ahead at the break, but Malcom's equaliser was merited as Barcelona were on top in the second half.

Positives

The first half especially showed Madrid are back at the level that makes them a match for any other team. Youngster Vinicius Junior showed he has the personality and talent for this elevated level. The result makes them very slight favourites to qualify from the second leg back at the Bernabeu on Feb. 27.

Negatives

All the hard defensive work protecting the lead was undone with an offside trap malfunction on Malcom's equaliser, meaning Madrid have not kept a clean sheet at Camp Nou since 2007.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Santi Solari's selection decisions paid off with the front three combining for the early goal. High press and breaking in numbers gave his team control of the first half, but then maybe contributed to lower energy levels after the break. He must receive credit overall for the huge turnaround since Madrid were beaten 5-1 on their last visit here in late October.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Keylor Navas, 7 -- Went at full length to deny Luis Suarez close to half-time, but might have done more to clear from Jordi Alba just before Malcom's equaliser. Still unbeaten in five Camp Nou Clasicos.

DF Dani Carvajal, 8 -- Completely dominated his zone of pitch with Philippe Coutinho having no impact on the game at all. Excellent block late on when teammate Raphaël Varane was caught out for once.

DF Raphael Varane, 8 -- Often in the right place at the right time, especially with an important tackle on Lionel Messi soon after Blaugrana talisman entered from the bench.

DF Sergio Ramos, 7 -- An early, harsh yellow card seemed due to his reputation, but he extended his record tally in this fixture to 23. Seemed to misjudge the ball as Malcom's shot got between covering defender and post for the equaliser. Scarpered cleverly back to position when a second yellow seemed possible late on.

DF Marcelo, 6 -- Given quite a chasing by Barca's previously much-maligned right winger Malcom, with it seemingly a Barca tactic to exploit the Madrid vice-captain's lack of form.

MF Luka Modric, 7 -- Pulled out the full array of neat touches and passes as the Ballon d'Or holder totally overshadowed Arthur in their zone of the pitch in the first half. Not as influential when Barca took over possession as the game went on.

MF Marcos Llorente, 7 -- Looked very assured in his first Clasico as part of a generally dominant Madrid midfield three, until injury forced him off with 30 minutes left.

MF Toni Kroos, 8 -- Also well on top of his opposite number Ivan Rakitic. Got forward well, especially when Madrid won the ball back early and broke in numbers.