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.
Lionel Messi did not highlight what was the exact benefit he was talking about, but the return of his partner Luis Suarez could be one.
Although the Spanish giants under new manager Quique Serien are at the top of the La Liga points tally, Messi believes that the current system is not capable of helping them win the title this year.
Messi admitted that the confinement enforced due to coronavirus was difficult but expects the break might end up acting as a positive.
Guardiola served as manager at Camp Nou for four seasons (2008-12), a stint that saw Barca lift the La Liga title three times along with other trophies.
Stoichkov feels the Rijkaard's squad would anyhow have won the accolades irrespective of Guardiola's presence.