Barcelona beaten by nine-man Athletic Bilbao in Copa del Rey

Athletic Bilbao will take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie against Barcelona after hanging on for dear life with nine men against the Catalans.

Aritz Aduriz and Inaki Williams gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break, raising hopes that they could take a commanding advantage into the game at the Camp Nou next week. But they were pegged back in the second half.

A Lionel Messi free-kick from the best part of 25 yards was correctly adjudged to have crossed the line despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. Barcelona were left aggrieved at some of the referee’s calls in the first half, but could have no complaints after Raul Garcia and Under Iturraspe were shown second yellows for petty fouls.

But despite their two-man disadvantage Athletic Bilbao held on for a first leg win, giving them a platform for the second leg at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s players were left fuming in the first half when they were denied a clear penalty kick for a foul on Neymar inside the area. But the referee instead booked the Brazilian for diving. It raises the age-old question of whether he is unfairly targeted by referees. Given how he spends most matches getting kicked up and down the pitch he does seem to be unfairly accused of diving a lot.

His goal was the highlight of the night at the San Mames, lashing a wonderful strike from the edge of the box high into the Barcelona net, but Williams’ performance was about more than just his finish. His pace and directness were key to Athletic Bilbao’s overall performance, allowing them to counter attack and get out from the back at speed. Without him the game plan wouldn’t have worked.

Athletic Bilbao - Iraizoz 7, Boveda 5, Balenziaga 6, Laporte 6, Etxeita 6, San Jose 7, Iturraspe 5, Garcia 5, Williams 8, Saborit 6, Aduriz 7.

Barcelona - Ter Stegen 6, Pique 5, Rakitic 5, Sergio 5, Iniesta 7, Suarez 6, Messi 5, Neymar 7, Alba 5, Roberto 5, Umtiti 6.

25’ GOAL! Athletic Club 1-0 Barcelona: The home side have the lead against the run of play! Garcia gets to the byline and stages a cross for Aduriz to head home from close range at the far post.

30’ GOAL! Athletic Club 2-0 Barcelona: Wow! They have doubled their advantage in the blink of an eye. Athletic force the mistake from Barca high up the pitch and Williams lashed home a finish high into the net.

44’ PENALTY SHOUT! That looked like a spot kick. Neymar was brought down inside the area after cutting inside, but the referee shakes his head. The Barcelona players are furious.

52’ GOAL! Athletic Club 2-1 Barcelona: It's another controversial call, but this time it goes the way of Barcelona! Messi strikes a freekick at goal, but despite Iraizoz's best efforts it's deemed to cross the line.

75’ RED CARD! Raul Garcia (Athletic Bilbao). After giving himself a moment to think the referee has decided to show Garcia a second yellow card for a foul on Neymar. Athletic down to 10 men!

82’ RED CARD! Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Club). And there's another red card! Iturraspe has been booked for the second time, pulling back Neymar. Athletic are down to nine men!

93’ OFF THE POST! Right at the death Barcelona smash a shot off the woodwork. The goalkeeper was beaten but the near post came to his rescue and Athletic hold on once more.

Athletic Club have scored more goals past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen since he joined Barcelona than any other goalkeeper in all competitions.

Athletic Club are the sixth team Lionel Messi has scored at least 20 goals against in all competitions.