Barcelona will have a task on their hands in the Copa Del Rey after the 2016 winners were dealt a major blow at San Mames by Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their round-of-16 contest. The Blaugrana were defeated 2-1 by the Basque outfit, who were reduced to nine men on Thursday.
Athletic were put ahead by their evergreen striker Aritz Aduriz early in the game, before the Spaniard set up the second goal for Inaki Williams to hit home powerfully, before the half-hour mark. Tempers rose in the San Mames with Aduriz appeared to have struck Barca defender Samuel Umtiti in the throat, only for the referee to ignore. The official was again in the limelight after declining what looked like a sure penalty for Barcelona after Neymar had been fouled in the box.
However, Barca received a lifeline, when Lionel Messi scored his 24th goal of the campaign, ten minutes into the second period. But, the home side managed to hold on despite having to play with 9 men on the field for the last 10 minutes of the game with Raul Garcia and Ander Iturraspe sent off.
In their first match of the new year, the Catalans looked out of pace and will now have to bounce back in the second leg six days later at the Camp Nou. Let’s see how each player fared on the night:
Marc – Andre Ter-Stegen (GK) – 6
Could not do anything to stop either goal, but did look shaky early on in the game. Seemed to lack the required authority in the penalty area.
Sergi Roberto (RB) – 5
Subdued display from the makeshift right-back. Struggled against the intensity of the home team and gifted possession away more than once. Did not get much joy going forward.
Gerard Pique (CB) – 5
Was guilty of losing Aritz Aduriz for the first goal and didn’t get tight enough to thwart Williams for the second goal. An out of sorts display from the centre-back.
Samuel Umtiti (CB) – 5
Failed to justify his selection over Javier Mascherano as he struggled to deal with the threat of Aduriz throughout. He was caught napping for Athletic’s second goal and looked to lose it completely post the scuffle with Aduriz close to half-time.
Jordi Alba (LB) – 5
One of his worst displays in Barca colours. Saw a lot of the ball on the left flank but, more often than not, misplaced his passes. It was his misplaced clearance that led to Barca conceding the second goal.
Sergio Busquets (DM) – 6
Failed to impose himself on the game in the middle of the park with Athletic looking to bypass the Spaniard with direct long balls. Looked tidy when he did got on the ball, but that did not happen as much as his team would have liked.
Ivan Rakitic (CM) – 6
Was involved a lot and saw a lot of the ball. However, he spent most of his time in his own half trying to contain the home team, which reduced his effectiveness in the game.
Andres Iniesta (CM) – 6
His wayward pass led to the first goal for Athletic on the night. However, he did spark some sort of a revival for the Blaugrana in the second half, but it wouldn’t be enough for his team. Quite a way off from his best.
Lionel Messi (RW) – 6
Despite scoring the equaliser and coming close to level things up late in the game, Messi endured a poor game at the San Mames. His night was characterised by a string of poor decisions and lack of incisiveness.
Neymar (LW) – 7
Best player for Barcelona by far on Thursday. Kept causing problems for the Bilbao defence throughout, despite being fouled and kicked over by the home team innumerable times. Should have been awarded a penalty after being blatantly fouled by Xabier Etxeita. Deserved a goal for his stubborn display.
Luis Suarez (ST) – 4
ANONYMOUS. Did nothing to pose a threat to the Athletic backline. One of his poorest displays for the Catalans, as had no impact on the proceedings whatsoever.
Substitutes
Andre Gomes (CM) – 6
Replaced Ivan Rakitic in the 71st minute. Distributed the ball well from midfield, got a chance to equalise for Barca but squandered the opportunity.
Paco Alcacer (ST) – NA
Came on late in the 88th minute to replace Samuel Umtiti as Enrique looked to throw bodies higher up the pitch. Did not have enough time to make an impact.