Athletic Bilbao add to Barcelona misery

Athletic Bilbao add more misery to a disjointed Barcelona side

Playing away to Athletic Bilbao has always caused Barcelona problems. The round of 16 Copa del Rey tie was no different as the Basque side beat the Catalans 3-2 in overtime to advance to quarterfinals.

The home side took the lead within two minutes as Iker Munian, with a combination of a chip and a curl, shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen to open the score.

New Barcelona signing Ferran Torres with a curl of his own in the 20th minute tied the game. It was one of the few times the Barcelona players were actually able to link up during the first half, which led to a goal.

https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1484268112488792070

But Athletic Bilbao were by far the better team throughout the affair. They were first to every ball, quick to press and try to get the ball back if and when they lost it and created the better goal scoring opportunities.

They would restore their lead in the 86th minute off a set piece. The ball was delivered towards the back post where Ter Stegen made a mess of things with Iñigo Martinez scuffing the ball over the line. Ter Stegen misjudged the trajectory and Gerard Pique failed to clear when he had the chance.

It seemed like Barcelona were getting ready to exit their second tournament in as many games until Pedri, thanks to a scissors kick assist from Dani Alves, tied the game in stoppage time. As is now customary, if Pedri is playing, there’s a good chance the game is going to overtime.

https://twitter.com/FCBseny/status/1484290690934841350

However, the moment of joy for Xavi Hernandez and his team was short lived.

Tracking back to help out Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati pulled up and looked in quite a bit of discomfort. Sergiño Dest was about to enter the game in place of Jordi Alba. But a switch was made when it became evident Fati was not going to be able to continue.

In tears, Fati made his way toward the bench where his teammates and coach tried to console him.

To add insult to injury, Alba, who was going to go off, was deemed to have committed a penalty as the ball struck his arm as he made a feet first dive to try to stop a cross. It put a bow in a shocker of a game from the left-back.

Muniain took the penalty and he did not miss, giving Athletic Bilbao the lead and the 3-2 win.

Out of the Champions League, out of the Copa del Rey and plenty far back of Real Madrid in the league, this is a season Barcelona, and its supporters, would rather soon forget.

The concern now is the extent of Fati’s injury. Pedri was also subbed off but his was more of a precaution as he’s still trying to get match fit after a long time away.

According to Diario AS, Fati is expected to miss four to six weeks as his injury is considered to be a relapse of his previous one.

In a cruel twist of fate, Barcelona might have been better served had they lost in regulation. At the very least, they’d still have Fati healthy.

Barcelona will look to bounce back and claim a Champions League place when they return to LaLiga action and travel to take on Alaves.