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Xavi will have to win the Europa League if he is to pick up a trophy in his first season in charge at Barcelona after his side crashed out of the Spanish Cup at the last-16 stage.
Two goals from Iker Muniain did for the Copa del Rey holders and Athletic Bilbao were worthy winners in the rain at San Mames.
Having fallen in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, been knocked out of the Champions League, and dropped 17 points off the pace in La Liga, this competition was Barcelona’s best chance of silverware this season.
Iker Muniain scored in extra-time for Athletic Bilbao to dump Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey
Muniain netted a spot-kick to secure a 3-2 victory in the last-16 of the competition
But two-goal Iker Muniain did for them. He had scored after two minutes and he made no mistake from the spot in extra time after Jordi Alba had handled.
Barcelona also lost substitute Ansu Fati to injury in added time and his tears suggested another set-back for the injury haunted 19-year-old.
Barcelona were lucky to go in on terms at half time. Nico Williams was a constant threat and created Athletic’s opener within two minutes. He raced away from Alba and when his cross went long it ran to Muniain who arrowed his shot past Marc Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona leveled when Ferran Torres bent a shot past Unai Simon. It was his first since joining from Manchester City but it did not stop Athletic having the upper hand. Ter Stegen saved well from Nico Williams and again when he kept out Raul Garcia’s header from Muniain’s corner just before half time.
Pedri scored in stoppage time for Barcelona to draw level with Athletic