French youngster Raphael Varane won plenty of praise after proving the hero for Real Madrid with a late leveller in Wednesday’s 1-1 Copa del Rey semifinal first leg draw with Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Varane netted the leveller on 81 minutes having been asked to step in with first-choice duo Pepe and Sergio Ramos unavailable.
Earlier, Cesc Fabregas had given the Catalans the lead on 50 minutes but the tie is well poised now ahead of the second leg.
Real assistant manager Aitor Karanka said: “To begin with Rafa, you cannot do better. Varane scored and made the tie. To follow his progress is great. Varane had a perfect match.”
Karanka added: “It was an awesome job of the whole team because many players have been out of their positions. There will be time to prepare for the return leg.”
Meanwhile, Varane was overwhelmed by a dream evening for him in his Clasico debut.
“It’s a game I will always remember; it is a dream at only 19 years. I’m happy with my performance and the team. Now I must go on,” Varane said.