Defending champions Barcelona suffered a shock slip-up in the Basque Country as Athletic Bilbao drew the first blood in the pre-quarters of the Copa Del Rey with a stunning 2-1 victory.
Despite being at full strength, the Catalans were subjugated for large spells by Los Leones, who raced to a 2-0 lead within the first half hour. Aritz Aduriz opened the scorings for the hosts with a simple finish before Inaki Williams doubled the lead just 3 minutes later.
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The Blaugrana looked like rabbits caught in the headlights of a car by then, absolutely stunned, but Lionel Messi halved the deficit early after the break to gain a measure of respite. The holders then had a 2-man advantage when Raul Garcia and Andre Iturraspe were sent off in the final 10 minutes, but Athletic stood firm and now go to the Camp Nou with a priceless advantage.
Here are some of the major talking points from the game.
#1 Barcelona have plunged into a tailspin
From what has been a highly erratic season, it may be hard to argue that Barcelona are in a decline of their powers. Trailing leaders Real Madrid by 3 points in spite of playing a game more in the league, the holders’ pursuit of a third straight La Liga crown looks to be in a limbo and now with this defeat, are on the verge of relinquishing their domestic cup as well.
Although a 2-1 deficit isn’t much to overcome at the Camp Nou, it’s Barca’s game which is the concern. Whilst Messi continued to fire at all cylinders, the problems lie everywhere else. Neymar was to subject to relentless fouls, whereas Suarez was uncharacteristically poor. The midfield looked exhausted of ideas, whereas the backline looked to be in no man’s land.
Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba made some glaring mistakes as Barca’s defence parted like the red sea. It was total haphazard, and Luis Enrique’s men couldn’t figure a way out like they would in 9 occasions out of 10.
This Barcelona side is not at their best and their campaign has already begun to falter in 2017.
#2 Aritz Aduriz – 36 and still going strong!
One of the most evergreen strikers on the planet, Aritz Aduriz continues to deliver relentlessly for his side even at 36. The Spaniard was once again on target as he put the Lions ahead, before getting involved for Williams’ second just minutes later.
Aduriz showed instincts of a classic poacher when he raced through clean to head home from close range wth just 25 minutes past, and soon turned provider when he wonderfully teed up with Inaki Williams to make it 2-0.
Although a nasty foul on Samuel Umtiti midway through the game could draw him some flak, his contributions to Athletic Club even in the twilight of his career is simply undeniable.
#3 Messi opens 2017 from where he left off in 2016
Talking of delivering for one’s club, Lionel Messi was once again on target as he struck early in the second half to cut the deficit by half and register a whopping 24th goal of the season. The Argentine ace has arguably been the only consistent player in this erratic Barca side and came to their rescue once again when they needed him the most.
Having endured a quiet opening half, Messi took the initiative for his side upon himself as he pulled one back for the visitors when goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz failed to clear his free-kick properly. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner almost snatched an equaliser in the dying embers, but could only muster his shot a little wide.
Barcelona’s new year may have got off to a whimper, but Messi remains a shining light.
#4 Rakitic on the rise
Ivan Rakitic had hit an all-time nadir in his Barcelona career in the final few weeks of 2016 when a grossly poor vein of form lead him to being dropped from 5 of the last 8 matches. The Croat, however, redeemed himself a little with a strike against Hercules in the last round and was thereby given another chance by Enrique to impress.
And Rakitic did impress.
The former Sevilla man was one of the few players from his side to pull his weight in this abject showings, and also tried to help at the back. Rakitic weighed in defensively when his midfield exploits proved insufficient and gave a glimpse of his versatility. His defensive nous may give him the edge over other challengers for his role such as Andre Gomes, Arda Turan and Rafinha.
Although Barca continue to fumble, Rakitic continues his ascent to form.
#5 Still everything to play for in the return leg
Make no mistake, Barcelona are only a goal down and still hold a realistic chance of progressing. With the return leg to be staged in their Camp Nou in six days time, the holders will go all guns blazing looking for a turnaround.
The outcome of the first leg is something of a shocker and should the Catalans get their act together, it would be just an entertaining affair as this one was.
While Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo all sailing smoothly through in the first leg and virtually assured of a place in the last 8, this one remains on the tenterhooks.
