Copa Del Ray: Athletic Club knocks Barcelona out to reach semis
It was another disappointment for Barcelona, as the club was expecting to go to the Copa del Rey semifinals for the second straight season.
It was another disappointment for Barcelona, as the club was expecting to go to the Copa del Rey semifinals for the second straight season.
FC Barcelona opened a 15-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night with a 4-0 win away to Elche.
Former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski then had a great chance to break the deadlock, but the unmarked Pole pulled over the target with 18 minutes gone.
Vinicius Jr. attempted to lead Madrid without Benzema, but Mallorca remained steadfast until the Brazilian scored with a left-foot shot in the 72nd minute
Silva stepped up but couldn't beat goalkeeper Juan Musso, who blocked the penalty and Willi Orban's rebound from very close range in quick succession with 56 minutes gone.
Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Ansu Fati are long-term absentees, who have also remained in Barcelona to continue their recovery process.
Barcelona and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero on Wednesday announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
Sevilla were unable to make any considerable move due to Barcelona's constant pressure. Also, the Catalan giants continued to lay siege on the Sevilla goal.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said in his pre-game press conference that this game and Saturday's away contest against Sevilla were vital for his team.
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe was the star of the night with a memorable hat-trick at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi scored the only goal for Barcelona.
