adminMADRID. — 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 night.
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.
La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid also have work to do to reach the semi-finals after a 0-0 draw at Celta Vigo in their quarter-final, first 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. — AFP.
Online Reporter