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.
Fans raised slogans asking Lionel Messi to stay and Josep Bartomeu to resign. They chanted "Bartomeu resign" and "Messi stay".
Barcelona confirmed that they were notified by Lionel Messi of his decision via burofax, a service used in Spain to urgently dispatch a document.
Barcelona officially declared Ronald Koeman as their new manager after sacking Quique Setien following shameful Champions League exit against Bayern Munich.
Raiola also told Sky Sports: "He is key player for Manchester United. They've an important project and he's 100 per cent included."
Ronald Koeman comes to Barcelona after coaching in the Premier League, LaLiga, Dutch league, Portuguese league and also the Netherlands national team.