Titleholders Barcelona have been knocked out of the Copa del Rey after suffering a
3-2 defeat in extra-time at the hands of Athletic Bilbao
Xavi will have to win the Europa League if he is to pick up a trophy in his first season
in charge at Barcelona after his side crashed out of the Spanish Cup at the last-16
stage. Two goals from Iker Muniain did for the Copa del Rey holders and Athletic
Bilbao were worthy winners in the rain at San Mames.
Having fallen in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, been knocked out of the
Champions League, and dropped 17 points off the pace in LaLiga, this competition
was Barcelona’s best chance of silverware this season.
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But two-goal Iker Muniain did for them. He had scored after two minutes and he
made no mistake from the spot in extra time after Jordi Alba had handled.
Barcelona also lost substitute Ansu Fati to injury in added time and his tears
suggested another setback for the injury haunted 19-year-old.
Barcelona was lucky to go in on terms at halftime. Nico Williams was a constant
threat and created Athletic’s opener within two minutes. He raced away from Alba
and when his cross went long it ran to Muniain who arrowed his shot past Marc
Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona leveled when Ferran Torres bent a shot past Unai Simon. It was his first
since joining from Manchester City but it did not stop Athletic having the upper
hand. Ter Stegen saved well from Nico Williams and again when he kept out Raul
Garcia’s header from Muniain’s corner just before halftime.
Athletic lost Oihan Sancet to a knee injury on the hour so Inaki Williams came on to
join his brother Nico and they nearly linked up to put the home side back in front.
Nico crossed from the right and Inaki’s touch was good but just too heavy to keep the
ball down and it fizzed over Ter Stegen’s bar.
Ansu Fati was now on for Barcelona and he so nearly played in Torres only for Iñigo
Martinez to slide in with a saving tackle. It was a frantic end to end stuff now and
Gerard Pique was booked for fouling Muniain.
Inigo Williams was running at Barcelona’s quickest player Ronald Araujo and beating
him for pace. He got past him down the right and, keen not to give him time to
recover, went for goal from distance sending a long cross-shot onto Ter Stegen’s
crossbar.
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