Goals from Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona overturn a 2-1 deficit and advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey at the expense of Athletic Bilbao, 4-3 on aggregate.
Lionel Messi had given Barcelona hope after striking a gorgeous free kick in the opening leg at the San Mames, but Barcelona still had it all to do against a Bilbao side that showed absolutely no fear against the Spanish giants.
It took until the 35th minute for the game’s first goal, and it was a fantastic side volley from Luis Suarez, a technique that no one on the planet does better.
¡GOOOL! Gran remate de volea de @LuisSuarez9 1-0 @FCBarcelona_es
DESCARGUE & VEA → https://t.co/yw1Kb2tydi #beINgo90 https://t.co/naaoFSYYNT— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 11, 2017
In the 48th minute, Neymar, who was battered in the first leg, drew a clear penalty after an extremely clumsy challenge in the box. The Brazilian captain cooly finished from the spot after a stuttering run-up.
¡GOOOL! Penal que cobra y anota @neymarjr 2-0 @FCBarcelona_es
DESCARGUE & VEA → https://t.co/yw1Kb2tydi #beINgo90 https://t.co/A9VoYRNqUl— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 11, 2017
Related: Watch Messi Score Off This Outrageous Free Kick
With Barcelona holding a 3-2 advantage, Bilbao came roaring back with a goal of their own only three minutes later courtesy of Enric Saborit.
¡GOOOL! De cabeza @E_Saborit iguala la eliminatoria 3-3.
DESCARGUE & VEA → https://t.co/yw1Kb2tydi #beINgo90 https://t.co/Gj3w9oSg3N— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 11, 2017
With the scores level on aggregate, Messi stepped up to score his third direct free kick in as many matches.
¡GOLAZO! La magia de @TeamMessi regresa y es 3-1 @FCBarcelona_es
DESCARGUE & VEA → https://t.co/yw1Kb2tydi #beINgo90 https://t.co/RwNrUkn8Ts— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 11, 2017
Barcelona would hold on to confirm their place in the quarters.