Athletic Bilbao welcomed Barcelona to San Mames for the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday.
Bilbao started on the front foot, but Barcelona entered the half-time break with a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from attacking pair Munir El-Haddadi and Neymar.
The hosts pressed forward for long stages of the second period, however, and managed to register in the 89th minute when Aritz Aduriz converted from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome Barcelona for the first leg of their quarter-final. Barcelona thumped Bilbao 6-0 at the weekend when the two teams met in the league, but Bilbao did beat the Spanish champions over two legs to win the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the 2015-16 campaign. Here's to a good game!
In truth, Sunday's match at Camp Nou was over from the moment Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz picked up a red card in the fourth minute. Lionel Messi converted the subsequent penalty, while Luis Suarez and Neymar also got in on the act to help their team claim all the points in impressive fashion. This is a fresh match, however, and indeed a fresh competition.
Tonight will also be the fifth time that these two teams have met this season. As mentioned, Bilbao were 5-1 aggregate winners when the pair met in the Spanish Super Cup back in August, but Barcelona did win 1-0 at San Mames on the opening weekend of the La Liga season. Barcelona have won three of the last five meetings, with Bilbao claiming one victory and the further clash ending level.
Barcelona and Bilbao are also the two most successful teams in Copa del Rey history. The Catalan outfit have won the competition 27 times, while Bilbao have 23 trophies to their name. Bilbao's total is impressive, but they have not lifted the trophy since 1984. Barcelona, on the other hand, beat Bilbao 3-1 in the 2014-15 final, which became part of a sensational treble for Luis Enrique's side.
Right, the team news has just reached us from San Mames. Just how many changes have both managers made from the weekend? Let us take a look shall we. No Lionel Messi...
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Herrerin; De Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Lekue; Benat, Iturraspe, Eraso; Susaeta, Aduriz, Williams
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Roberto; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Munir, Turan
So there we have it. Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has changed his goalkeeper for tonight's match, with Iago Herrerin starting ahead of Iraizoz. There is also a spot in the team for 22-year-old full-back Inigo Lekue, with Mikel Balenziaga dropping out. Further forward, Benat, Javier Eraso, Aritz Aduriz and Inaki Williams all keep their places, but Markel Susaeta is selected ahead of Iker Muniain.
As for Barcelona, Luis Suarez misses out through suspension, while a hamstring problem prevents Messi from taking part. Neymar is in the XI, however, and the Brazilian will be joined in the final third by Munir El-Haddadi and Arda Turan. The versatile Sergi Roberto will start at left-back, meanwhile, with Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets selected as the midfield three.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just over 30 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in the Basque country. Bilbao will have revenge on their minds following the weekend's result and it is paramount that they secure a strong result tonight ahead of the second leg next week. You sense that they have to - or indeed must - enter the return match with a lead.
In terms of progression to this stage of the competition, Bilbao overcame Linense 8-0 on aggregate in the round of 32, before beating in-form Villarreal 4-2 in the last round to ensure that they would make the quarters once again. As for Barcelona, they beat Villanovense 6-1 on aggregate, before recording the same score against Catalan rivals Espanyol in the last round.
It has been a bit of a mixed season for Bilbao in the league, with 28 points from their 20 matches leaving them in ninth position in the division. They are actually only six points off fifth-place Celta Vigo, but sit 12 points off fourth-place Villarreal. At the moment, Villarreal are the hot favourites to finish in a Champions League position, but Celta, Sevilla and Bilbao are also in the mix.
Bilbao's recent form has also been a bit patchy - winning two and losing two of their last four in all competitions. They have managed two strong Copa del Rey victories against Villarreal in recent weeks, but been beaten at both Sevilla and Barcelona in the league. That said, Valverde's team have not lost at home in any competition since Real Madrid won 2-1 in La Liga at the end of September.
ONE TO WATCH! Inaki Williams starts again for Bilbao tonight and it is understood that the 21-year-old's performances over the last 12 months have seen him gain a whole host of admirers. This season, the Spanish Under-21 international has scored 10 times in 21 games.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could be forgiven for thinking that their excellent league form this season would be enough to see them top the pile. Atletico Madrid, however, have been brilliant and currently top La Liga by two points. That said, Barcelona still have a game in hand following their exertions in the Club World Cup and therefore their fate is in their own hands.
Real Madrid, now managed by the bald-headed figure of Zinedine Zidane, have picked up two strong wins in recent weeks, meanwhile, and sit just two points behind Barcelona in third position, albeit having played one game more than the Catalan club. Barcelona have scored 50 times in just 19 league matches and conceded just 15, which is the second best defensive record behind Atletico.
Barcelona have also not been beaten in any competition since the start of October, when they lost 2-1 at Sevilla. Since then, they have won 17 of their 22 matches and drawn five times. Would it be that much of a surprise if they managed to secure another treble this season? Not to me!
It would be fair to say that the Copa is third on the list of priorities for Barcelona, however, and that is where Bilbao will draw confidence. Luis Enrique now has both Turan and Aleix Vidal available for selection, which has boosted the squad, but league fixtures are coming thick and fast, while the small matter of Champions League knockout football returns next month. Big game for this man tonight...
PREDICTION! When Barcelona are playing, it is difficult to back against them winning. That is just the way it is due to their incredible quality, but Messi and Suarez are both missing tonight and Bilbao is a tough place to go. With that in mind, I am actually going to back a 1-1 draw in this first leg.
A reminder of the two teams for tonight...
BILBAO: Herrerin; De Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Lekue; Benat, Iturraspe, Eraso; Susaeta, Aduriz, Williams
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Roberto; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Munir, Turan
KICKOFF! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Bilbao take advantage of a Barcelona team without Messi and Suarez? We shall find out. It is the home side that get the first period of action underway inside what is a vocal San Mames here...
... just a reminder that nothing will be decided tonight, with the second leg at Camp Nou to come next week. Bilbao threaten in the early moments as Susaeta collects a long pass from Laporte, but his chipped effort was always rising over the crossbar. Positive start from the hosts!
Barcelona manage to put together a nice sequence in the Bilbao half of the field, but the attack comes to an end when Munir cannot collect a through pass from Rakitic. As expected, both teams are exchanging possession in the early moments as each finds their way into the match.
I do not suppose it will be too long before the referee produces a card in this match and there already been some tasty challenges. Again Barcelona look to break down the right with Alves, before Rakitic hits a long ball towards Munir, but once again Laporte is on hand to clear down the field.
First hint of a chance for the home side as Williams drives past Roberto before firing a low cross into Susaeta, but the attacker cannot turn away from his defender and Alves hacks it away!
De Marcos is earning his keep this season...
It has been a really bright start from the home team and they continue to threaten through Williams, who wins a corner from Pique. The resulting set piece causes problems inside a crowded Barcelona box, but the danger is scrambled clear. Terrific noise inside the stadium here!
Barcelona just cannot seem to settle at the moment as the home side continue to dominate all over the park. Aduriz uses his presence to win a free kick from Alves and Benat's delivery causes problems before the visitors manage to hack the ball clear. One-way traffic at the moment!
Turan and Munir - especially Turan - are super players, but they are not Messi and Suarez. As a result, Barcelona are significantly weaker tonight and Bilbao look in the mood to cause some problems. Still goalless with 16 minutes on the clock, but the hosts have been the superior side here.
SAVE! And just like that Neymar produces some magic. The Brazilian curls a super effort towards the top corner, which Herrein just pushes just over the crossbar!
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona (Munir)
Barcelona take the lead in the 18th minute as Munir converts a super low cross from Rakitic. It was put on a plate for the striker, who simply angled his effort past Herrerin!
That is the difference between the top teams, and the rest. Bilbao had made a really bright start and it took a while for Barcelona to get going. The visitors put together some magic, however, which brings them the opening goal of the match. Who needs Messi and Suarez?! Joke!
This man is a fan of the Copa del Rey this season. He cannot stop scoring...
Possession football for Barcelona at the moment as they move the ball from left to right, which is bringing whistles from the crowd. Bilbao need to be careful that they do not concede another goal in this first period or they could find themselves out of the tie. Cracking game down at San Mames.
GOAL! Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona have their second of the match in the 25th minute as Neymar takes advantage of some poor defending before simply poking the ball past the home side's goalkeeper and rolling it home from inside the box. Terrible defending from Bilbao, but Neymar will not mind, that is for sure!
Whistles from the crowd as Barcelona continue to dominate matters in the final third of the field. Bilbao are dropping off and allowing the likes of Iniesta and Rakitic to control the tempo here.
Barcelona's first was a thing of beauty...
It is almost like a training game for Barcelona at the moment as they pass and move, with Bilbao unable to catch their men. Turan and Munir have both been wonderful in the final third, but Neymar has once again been the star of the show. The Brazilian is just a stunning footballer.
Valverde lets out a perplexed look on the sideline as Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball. In the early moments, it was all Bilbao as Aduriz and Williams linked in the final third, but the hosts just cannot get the ball as we approach the final stages of this first period at San Mames.
The referee has still not issued a yellow card in this match, but there have been a number of late challenges and Iniesta is a shade fortunate to escape a booking after bring Williams to the deck.
The Bilbao supporters let out a massive cheer as Neymar is bundled off the ball by De Marcos, who shows excellent strength and pace to move away from the Brazilian. The hosts eventually force another free kick, but Benat's delivery is bundled clear following a period of pin-ball inside the box!
BOOKING! Iniesta (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Eraso finds a yard of space outside the Barcelona box, but his effort was always swinging just wide of the post. A little better from the home side in the last minute.
Bilbao must be sick of the sight of Neymar...
Mascherano is very fortunate to escape a booking following a harsh challenge on Eraso.
The resulting free kick is once again delivered by Benat, but Laporte is beaten in the air by Pique, who rises above everyone to head clear a corner. Super defending from Pique there.
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Munir and Neymar. The former opened the scoring with a fine finish in the 18th minute, before Neymar made it two goals to zero in the 25th minute. Bilbao actually started really well, but Barcelona's superior quality in the final third has shone through in the first period here.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had six attempts - three of which were on target. Bilbao, meanwhile, did not manage a single shot on target in that first 45 minutes of action at San Mames. Just the one yellow card to report - Iniesta in the book for Barcelona.
BENCH WATCH! Bilbao boss Valverde only really has one out-and-out attacker on his bench tonight in the shape of Iker Muniain, but Mikel Rico might be introduced to add bite to the midfield. Barcelona, meanwhile, have the likes of Sandro Ramirez and Aleix Vidal in reserve tonight.
MATCH PIC! The two goalscorers...
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Bilbao find a route back into the match? We shall see! Barcelona resume the action at San Mames...
... no changes from either side, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of events. However, I suspect that both managers will already have their eye on a couple of alterations. You sense that Bilbao need to at least draw this match if they are to stand a chance in the second leg!
CLOSE! Munir spots Herrerin off his line and goes for a chip after breaking away from the Bilbao defence, but the stopper manages to collect and avoid embarrassment!
Half-chance for Williams down the other end as the Bilbao striker meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Eventful start to this second period.
CLOSE! Eraso just pokes a low effort wide of Ter Stegen's post!
There is definitely more attacking intent from Bilbao at the moment, but that will leave them open down the other end and Barcelona do not need a second invitation. Even without Messi and Suarez, the Catalan outfit are wonderful in the final third. Neymar, phew, he's just sensational.
Little bit naughty from Aduriz as the Bilbao striker catches his foot on Neymar's back in a challenge that could have been avoided! The hosts cannot risk going down to 10 men here.
BOOKING! Laporte (Bilbao) is booked for dissent.
Plenty happening at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third and Bilbao are taking a lot of risks in the Barcelona half. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening and indeed the last of the cards as late challenges continue to arrive!
BILBAO SUB! Muniain replaces Susaeta for the home side.
Nice touch from Susaeta there, with the Bilbao attacker coming off the field and handing his short to a supporter in the crowd. Always nice to see that from a professional footballer.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Barcelona are just sitting back and absorbing some of the pressure. Iniesta has once again been magical in the middle of the park for the visitors, but Neymar has been the best player on the pitch tonight.
BILBAO SUB! Sabin replaces Eraso for the home side.
Little over 25 minutes of this first leg remaining and in truth, Barcelona have one foot in the quarter-finals unless the score changes. Bilbao need something to take into the second leg because it is very difficult to imagine them winning by at least two goals at Camp Nou next week.
Bilbao have a shout for a penalty as the ball appears to strike the hand of Mascherano, but the referee is not interested. It did touch Mascherano's hand, but it would have been very harsh!
BOOKING! De Marcos (Bilbao) is booked for a pull on Neymar.
BARCELONA SUB! Vidal replaces Turan for the away team.
BOOKING! Etxeita (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Vidal.
BILBAO SUB! San Jose replaces Benat as the influx of changes continue.
Rakitic works some space outside the Bilbao box before firing towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 20 minutes to play at San Mames.
One goal for Bilbao would at least give them something to take into the second leg next week, although Barcelona would still be the overwhelming favourites. You sense that Bilbao needed to win tonight in order to give themselves a chance next week, but Barcelona have been too good.
BARCELONA SUB! Adriano replaces Roberto for the away team.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been able to utilise his squad tonight, without Messi and Suarez, and his team are 2-0 ahead at one of the toughest grounds in the league. That is an indication of the strength in-depth that the Spanish giants posses. It is quite scary to be honest!
BOOKING! Merino (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Vidal.
BOOKING! Iturraspe (Bilbao) is booked for a foul on Neymar. Poor tackle.
BOOKING! Mascherano (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Aduriz.
Bilbao have the chance to threaten from a free kick here...
... Iturraspe delivers towards the far post, but Barcelona manage to clear their lines.
BARCELONA SUB! Sandro replaces Munir for Barcelona.
SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Ter Stegen as the Barcelona goalkeeper somehow keeps out a near-post header from Merino. Top-drawer from the German international!
It is all happening at the moment as Williams goes down inside the Barcelona box, before rising to his feet and having words with the away side's goalkeeper. The pressure continues as the hosts win two corners in quick succession, but Barcelona manage to clear their lines once again.
In truth, this game has turned a little unsavoury and a serious injury is going to occur if both teams continue to fly into dangerous challenges. It is far too physical at the moment.
There is just no flow at the moment. One pass, foul, one pass, foul. That is the pattern. Bilbao are still pressing forward, but they are not providing genuine quality inside the Barcelona box.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona (Aduriz)
Bilbao have their goal! Pique fails to push out, which leaves Aduriz onside and the striker converts from close range. Wonderful noise inside the stadium - tie back on!
BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Aduriz.
Aduriz has an effort deflected over the crossbar as Bilbao come close once again!
It is all very tense at the moment as Bilbao continue to press forward as we enter the final minute of stoppage time. It seems that Barcelona will run out 2-1 winners in this first leg.
BOOKING! San Jose (Bilbao) is booked for fouling Neymar.
FULL-TIME: Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Bilbao are handed a lifeline following that late strike from Aduriz, but Barcelona are still the strong favourites to advance into the semi-finals following a 2-1 win in the first leg. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
