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, on Tuesday Barcelona somehow managed to get full points and dethroned Real Madrid from the top of the points table.
Barcelona controlled the second half better against Athletic Bilbao but created few chances until Ivan Rakitic scored and took them back to the top of La Liga.
Barcelona will next take on Athletic Club on Wednesday and will look for a win to bounce back from that dull draw against Sevilla.
Barcelona, as expected, started the match on the front foot and outraged Sevilla with a host of attacks, but they failed to produce the finishing product.
Barcelona sued back claiming breach of contract and a city court has ruled in favour of the club.