Jasper Cillessen's sigh of relief as Barcelona remain in the Copa del Rey
He couldn't keep a clean sheet but progress in the competition should give him another chance
Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen returned to the starting lineup in the Copa del Rey game against Athletic Club on Wednesday after recovering from a calf problem.
Barça's passage to the quarterfinal of the competition was received especially well by the stopper, who would have had very few chances of playing again this season if the team had been knocked out.
However, the team's overall performance doesn't hide a clear opportunity to improve between the posts. Athletic scored with their only shot on target in the whole game. While Cillessen should not be singled out, given Saborit's goal was due to an error from the defence in general, the numbers shows that the Dutchman is struggling to keep a clean sheet.
Cillessen has played five official games for Barcelona has conceded four goals, which is just less than one a game, a statistic which may have to improve in successive cup ties if Barça are to reach the final.
The goalkeeper also caught the eye for his excessive use of long balls. However, one of these did catch the Basque side out and Suarez almost took advantage.
Here are Cillessen's appearances for Barça:
