Messi, Suarez-less Barcelona edge towards Copa del Rey semi-finals after Bilbao win
Holders overcome the absence of World Player of the Year and Luis Suarez to take a huge step towards the Copa del Rey semi-finals
Holders Barcelona overcame the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to take a huge step towards the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
We lacked fluidity in the second-half to do them damage
Messi was absent due to a hamstring problem, whilst Suarez completed a two-game Cup ban, but the visitors still took control of the tie with two goals in six first-half minutes from Munir El Haddadi and Neymar.
However, Aritz Aduriz’s 23rd goal of the season a minute from time handed Athletic hope for next week’s second leg.
“The (late) goal complicates the tie a bit for us, but I think we played a great game and now we have the return leg at home,” Neymar told Canal Plus.
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“There is a bit of danger because they are a good team with players that can turn the game. We need to be concentrated.”
“We lacked fluidity in the second-half to do them damage,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique.