The Blaugrana lost the principal leg at the San Mames. Having fallen 2-0 down, things could have been more regrettable before Lionel Messi struck in the second time frame. The Basque furnish completed the match with nine men, as Raul Garcia and Ander Iturraspe both got their walking orders.
A tight lead for Athletic leaves the match gently balanced in front of the second leg.
Here are the key review subtle elements for what ought to be a throbbing match and a more critical take a gander at how both sides are getting down to business.
Barcelona's dissatisfaction was clear in the result of their misfortune to Athletic in the primary leg of this tie. Not just had they neglected to level the score with the hosts diminished in number late on, however the players trusted the ref had missed various calls amid the match.
In the first place, Aritz Aduriz was fortunate to get away from a red card in the wake of going head to head with Samuel Umtiti, while Neymar's interests for a punishment were waved away when he had all the earmarks of being felled in the territory.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Match Preview
Barcelona must upset an objective shortage against Bilbao, in the event that they are to experience to the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey 2016/17.Athletic Bilbao relinquished ownership for exactness when the sides met at the San Mames seven days back. They were 2-0 ahead at a certain point, however Lionel Messi scored a definitive away objective in the second half to keep the Blaugrana in the tie. Bilbao were managed additionally blows as midfield players Iturraspe and Raul Garcia got sent-off for a moment bookable offense. Barcelona were not able discover the equalizer, regardless of having a 2-men advantage on the field.
Barcelona were held to a 1-1 attract by Villarreal their LaLiga installation this end of the week. While Bilbao drew clear with the recently advanced Alaves.
Bilbao's general shape control looks somewhat better as they are unbeaten in their last 5 coordinates in all rivalries. This incorporates 3 wins and a draw. While the away frame is poor as they have just 1 win in their last 8 trips.
Barcelona were unbeaten in 10 coordinates before their thrashing at Bilbao. Be that as it may, they been offensive recently with 4 of those matches being draws. At Camp Nou, the Blaugrana have won their keep going three matches on solid edges, scoring 15 objectives.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Head-to-head stats
- The Blaugrana are unbeaten in the last 18 home matches against Bilbao in all rivalries.
- Bilbao's last win at Camp Nou was 15 years prior, on November 2001.
- Barcelona have scored no less than 2 objectives in 14 of their last 16 home recreations.
- The 2-1 win in the main leg finished Bilbao's 5 matche losing streak against Barcelona in all settings and rivalries.
- Bilbao's most recent visit to Camp Nou was for a Copa del Rey apparatus, they lost 3-1 on that event.
Team news – Barcelona:
Luis Enrique will presumably utilize an indistinguishable eleven from in the principal leg – Rakitic is probably going to return into the beginning lineup subsequent to being precluded in Villarreal. The main uncertainty is whether Umtiti or Mascherano plays in the focal resistance close by Pique, however it's plausible quality of the French will be required to stop Aduriz' physical nearness in the case.Messi, Suarez and Neymar will be required to score objectives in advance as the trident won't be changed.