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.
With this draw against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona failed to pip Real Madrid to reclaim their top spot on the La Liga table.
The deal will see Juventus pay Barcelona up to 82 million euros for Arthur, while Pjanic moves in the opposite direction for a 60 million euro fee.
The draw can be a potential title-decider as Real Madrid stand a great chance to topple Barcelona and reclaim the numero uno position in the points table.
Real Madrid own the superior head-to-head against Barcelona and have won four out of four since La Liga restarted earlier this month.
In his astonishing career so far, Lionel Messi has won numerous team and individual trophies and continues to remain the force behind Barcelona's surge.