Lionel Messi the saviour again as Barcelona edge into Copa del Rey quarters

Lionel Messi was once again the saviour for Barcelona as the Catalans edged into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, securing them a 4-3 aggregate victory.

The Argentine has scored three crucial goals for Barca in 2017, all from direct free-kicks, with his strike 12 minutes from time sending Luis Enrique's side through. This was far from a convincing display by the hosts, though.

They appeared to be coasting with a two-goal advantage at the start of the second half, only for them to allow Athletic back into the contest when Enric Saborit headed home at the back post following a rapid counter attack.

But with time running out and extra time looming Messi came up with the decisive goal, finding the bottom corner of the net with a low free-kick from the edge of the box. However, despite his moment of brilliance, questions will still be asked about Barcelona’s performance and form at the start of 2017.

Did Neymar’s goal drought matter at all? By stroking home a penalty kick at the start of the second half, Neymar ended a drought that had seen him go over 1,000 minutes without scoring a goal. Much was made of the Brazilian’s futility in front of goal in the last few weeks and months, but did it really matter at all? As he showed with Luis Suarez’s opener, Neymar is still a master of the assist. He is more than just a goalscorer.

Neymar (Barcelona): His goal from the penalty spot was far from remarkable, but Neymar was still the best Barcelona player on the pitch. Everything the Catalans did well flowed through him, with the Brazilian finding space and freedom down the left side. A goal and an assist is the mark of a good display, but this was about more than that for Neymar.

Barcelona: Cillessen 5, Roberto 5, Pique 5, Umtiti 5, Alba 5, Busquets 5, Iniesta 6, Rafinha 5, Messi 7, Neymar 8, Suarez 8.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz 6, Boveda 5, Balenziaga 5, Laporte 6, Etxeita 7, San Jose 6, Benat 5, Eraso 5, Sabin 5, Williams 6, Saborit 6.

27’ - BAD OFFSIDE CALL! Iniesta threaded a wonderful pass through to Neymar, but the linesman raises his flag. Replays show that Neymar was in fact onside when the ball was played.

36’ - GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Bilbao. There's the goal that Barcelona so badly needed! Neymar plays a cross to he back post, with Suarez meeting the delivery flush on the full volley. Great strike!

48’ - GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona have given themselves something of a cushion! A two goal cushion. Neymar dusts himself down and sends Iraizoz the wrong way from 12 yards out.

52’ - GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao. Athletic Bilbao are right back in this tie! Saborit heads home at the back post after a counter attack move by the away side. We have a match on our hands!

78’ - GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Bilbao. Messi has saved Barcelona once again! He has scored some sensational goals throughout his career. That was not one of them, but it's massively important.

Lionel Messi has scored three goals in 2017, all three from direct free-kicks.

Athletic Bilbao scored with their first shot on goal against Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao failed to record a single shot in a first half for the first time this season.

Neymar scored his first goal for Barcelona after a drought of more than 1,000 minutes.