Barcelona begin 2017 with defeat to Athletic Bilbao
- Admin
- Jan 6, 2017
- 1 min read
Barcelona lost 2-1 to nine-man Athletic Bilbao in their first game of 2017.
Two goals in three first-half minutes from Aritz Aduriz and Inaki Williams put the hosts in command in the Copa del Rey last 16 tie on Thursday.
Lionel Messi’s excellent free-kick in the second half, only proved to be a consolation goal.
Messi almost got a crucial second away goal, but he hit the post with the final kick of the game, which saw Bilbao lose Raul Garcia and Ander Iturraspe to red cards.
This is the sixth time Barca and Athletic have been paired together in the cup in nine seasons, including three finals.
Barcelona have won in all five previous occasions.
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