Barcelona made it into the last four of the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday night, beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in the second leg of their tie - having won the first leg 2-1.

Despite trailing in the game, Iñaki Williams opening the scoring, it was a comfortable win in the end, with Luiz Suarez, Gerard Pique and Neymar turning the game around as Barcelona's title defence continues.

Scary first half

Inside 12 minutes, shortly after the home side were disallowed a goal, Athletic took the lead. A pass from Artiz Aduriz picked out Williams who beat the Barcelona defence and goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen to level the aggregate score and give Bilbao a chance of going through to the semi-finals via the away goal rule.

Bilbao continued to create various chances too. Javier Eraso had the best one, with his shot close to goal trickling just the wrong side of the post.

However, Lionel Messi would have a chance in the 25th minute as Barcelona started to show their quality. Still, his shot was saved and punched away by Iago Herrerín before any Barcelona player took advantage.

Four minutes later, Neymar was able to beat everyone but his shot was hit straight at the goalkeeper. Messi had another free kick in the 40th minute, but his shot also flew wide.

It was shown in this first 45 minutes at the Camp Nou that the defence was a bit shaky and that it was going to take something better from Barcelona to ensure their place in the next round.

 ​​Neymar celebrates the third goal for Barcelona. Photo: ALEJANDRO GARCIA - EFE
​​Neymar celebrates the third goal for Barcelona. Photo: ALEJANDRO GARCIA - EFE

Back to normal

In the second half, the home team continued to create opportunities, one being Ivan Rakitic’s volley that went wide of Herrerin’s goal in the 51st minute.

Finally, Barcelona brought things level in the 53rd minute with Suarez scoring his 30th goal this season in all competitions when, following lovely play from Messi and then a pass from Sergi Roberto, the Uruguayan finished coolly past Herrerin.

Suarez had the chance for a brace not long after, but he struck wide, whilst Neymar was also on the receiving end of an opportunity only to be stopped by the last defender, Iñigo Lekue.

The bombardment of the Bilbao box continued into the closing stages as Neymar saw his shot saved and Rakitic's follow-up was also blocked. 

However, the visitors would be breached for a second time, a cross from Dani Alves on the right allowing Pique to score a header and all but ensure victory for Barcelona. 

In the last few seconds though, just to be sure, Neymar got his goal to make it 3-1 to secure the win, sending Barcelona to their sixth straight Copa del Rey semi-final.

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About the author
Roberto Rojas
Writing about the beautiful game. Cohost of the @LowLimitFutbol Podcast.