Spanish giants Real Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Ray after a disappointing loss to third-tier club Alcoyano on Wednesday raising many questions on Zidane's style of management at the Bernabeu. However, the French coach insisted his players still believe in him despite the loss.

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Defending league champions Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Alcoyano after an outstanding winner despite being reduced to 10-men during the injury time.&nbsp;

When asked if he still had the backing of the players, Zidane said: “Yes I believe so, you have to ask them. We’ve done good things this season, apart from the last four games. Now we have La Liga and the Champions League and we have to work. Whether my message gets through, you have to ask them, I can’t answer that.”

In the last five games, Zinedine Zidane's team has won just once. He took responsibility for the defeat.

“I’m the coach, it’s my fault,” he said. “I am responsible, the players have tried but well, we’re out.”

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During the post-match press conference, many asked whether this was the most disgraceful defeat of all, to which he replied: “All defeats hurt. I don’t like to lose and the players neither. We were playing a Segunda B side and we should have won, but it’s not a disgrace. This can happen. These are things that happen in a player’s career. It’s a tough day, but we’re not going to go crazy. We’ll think about this and work hard.”

Real Madrid's defeat came in Alcoyano's home ground (El Collao stadium) that holds less than 5,000 spectators.The third-tier club has failed to feature in La Liga (Spain's top-flight league) since 1951. &nbsp;

Spanish giants Real Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Ray after a disappointing loss to third-tier club Alcoyano on Wednesday raising many questions on Zidane's style of management at the Bernabeu.

Spanish giants Real Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Ray after a disappointing loss to third-tier club Alcoyano on Wednesday raising many questions on Zidane's style of management at the Bernabeu. However, the French coach insisted his players still believe in him despite the loss. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Josef Bican and becomes greatest ever goal-scorer Defending league champions Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Alcoyano after an outstanding winner despite being reduced to 10-men during the injury time. When asked if he still had the backing of the players, Zidane said: “Yes I believe so, you have to ask them. We’ve done good things this season, apart from the last four games. Now we have La Liga and the Champions League and we have to work. Whether my message gets through, you have to ask them, I can’t answer that.” In the last five games, Zinedine Zidane's team has won just once. He took responsibility for the defeat. “I’m the coach, it’s my fault,” he said. “I am responsible, the players have tried but well, we’re out.” ALSO READ: Will PSG sign Lionel Messi? Mauricio Pochettino opens up about the move During the post-match press conference, many asked whether this was the most disgraceful defeat of all, to which he replied: “All defeats hurt. I don’t like to lose and the players neither. We were playing a Segunda B side and we should have won, but it’s not a disgrace. This can happen. These are things that happen in a player’s career. It’s a tough day, but we’re not going to go crazy. We’ll think about this and work hard.” Real Madrid's defeat came in Alcoyano's home ground (El Collao stadium) that holds less than 5,000 spectators.The third-tier club has failed to feature in La Liga (Spain's top-flight league) since 1951.

'I believe so': Zidane says still has players’ backing despite Real Madrid Copa del Ray humiliation

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Players, who were restricted to train indoors amid lockdown measures, will begin individual training this week after the Spanish government lifted sports-related measures.&nbsp;

La Liga president Javier Tebas said that the league has a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved in the resumption of the season in the month of June.

"People's health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart La Liga," league president Javier Tebas said in the statement.

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"Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19/20 season this summer."

<h2>Players allowed to train</h2>

From Tuesday, footballers in Spain will undergo COVID-19 tests and will be allowed to take to the field once the result is out negative.

Earlier, Tebas had said that Spanish first and second-division football could start on May 28-29, June 6-7 or June 28-29 with the possibility of matches happening behind closed doors.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-returns-to-turin-after-coronavirus-lockdown-296743" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown</a>

Meanwhile, Copa Del Rey finalists – Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – issued a joint request to play the summit clash of the tournament in front of fans and the request has received support from the Spanish football federation (RFEF). This would be the first all-Basque final in the history of the competition.

"The desire and will of both clubs have always been, now and before, to play and enjoy the final match along with the supporters," they said in a joint press release. "This is what we would like most. A final to be lived with our supporters in the stands."

The fixture was originally scheduled for April 18 in Seville at the Olympic Stadium, known as La Cartuja. But no new date has been fixed, as of now. 
&nbsp;

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Players, who were restricted to train indoors amid lockdown measures, will begin individual training this week after the Spanish government lifted sports-related measures. La Liga president Javier Tebas said that the league has a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved in the resumption of the season in the month of June. "People's health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart La Liga," league president Javier Tebas said in the statement. ALSO READ: No spitting, no fans: baseball restarts S. Korea's sports season "Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19/20 season this summer." Players allowed to train From Tuesday, footballers in Spain will undergo COVID-19 tests and will be allowed to take to the field once the result is out negative. Earlier, Tebas had said that Spanish first and second-division football could start on May 28-29, June 6-7 or June 28-29 with the possibility of matches happening behind closed doors. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown Meanwhile, Copa Del Rey finalists – Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – issued a joint request to play the summit clash of the tournament in front of fans and the request has received support from the Spanish football federation (RFEF). This would be the first all-Basque final in the history of the competition. "The desire and will of both clubs have always been, now and before, to play and enjoy the final match along with the supporters," they said in a joint press release. "This is what we would like most. A final to be lived with our supporters in the stands." The fixture was originally scheduled for April 18 in Seville at the Olympic Stadium, known as La Cartuja. But no new date has been fixed, as of now.

La Liga eyes June return as Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao request Copa del Rey final to be played in front of fans

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Barcelona </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/latest-sports-news-real-madrid-vs-atletico-madrid-karim-benzema-scores-home-win-278121">Real Madrid</a> both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Barca</a> was beaten 1-0 by Bilbao at San Mames, where Inaki Williams headed in a dramatic 93rd-minute winner after La Real had seen off Madrid 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Messi fires back at Barca sporting director Abidal after jibe</a>

Two sensational upsets added another layer of excitement to a competition that has been full of surprises this season, with Bilbao and Real Sociedad joining Granada and second division Mirandes in an unfamiliar line-up for the draw on Friday.

"There have been some surprise results," said Williams. "Sometimes you just have to have faith and heart." &nbsp;

For Barca, defeat was particularly painful, coming at the end of a turbulent week that saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Lionel Messi</a> engage in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">public spat</a> with the club's sporting director <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Eric Abidal</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Ousmane Dembele</a> ruled out, probably for the rest of the season, with another hamstring tear.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours</a>

To make matters worse, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Gerard Pique</a> hobbled off with his own injury problem in the second half against Bilbao and looks doubtful to face Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Messi</a>'s riposte that "everyone should take responsibility for their own decisions" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Abidal </a>suggested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Ernesto Valverde</a> was sacked last month because of the players, means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Barcelona </a>are in political turmoil off the pitch.&nbsp;

And the fear is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-back-at-barca-sporting-director-abidal-after-jibe-278773">Messi </a>could even leave in the summer by activating a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away from the club for free.

Defeat in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-del-rey-boost-for-setien-as-messi-leads-barca-rout-over-leganes-277671">Copa del Rey</a>, a distant third in Barca's list of priorities this season, will not dictate Messi's thinking but another setback certainly adds to the sense of a club currently in a state of crisis.

Quique Setien has lost two of his opening six games in charge, with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-16-draw-date-rules-possible-scenarios-for-english-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-268455">Champions League</a> tie against Napoli fast-approaching.&nbsp;The fall-out from another failure in Europe would prove longer-lasting.

"We deserved to go through," said Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu. "But the ambition and attitude I saw on the field encourage me for the league and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-16-draw-date-rules-possible-scenarios-for-english-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-268455">Champions League</a>. Success can come."

For a rotated Madrid side, who sit top of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-to-kick-off-la-liga-next-friday-after-courts-fixture-ruling-241878">La Liga</a>, the loss against Real Sociedad was perhaps less damaging, even if they conceded as many goals in 69 minutes as they had in their last 11 matches put together.

"It hurts, we have to be honest, nobody likes a defeat," said Madrid coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-unfazed-by-jose-mourinho-talk-as-real-madrid-prepare-for-sevilla-test-251051">Zinedine Zidane</a>.

Their 21-game unbeaten streak comes to an end after an uncharacteristically careless performance in which a rotated side highlighted the importance of the likes of Casemiro, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-wants-raphael-varane-to-stay-but-is-ambiguous-about-gareth-bale-future-207501">Raphael Varane</a> and Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals.

Barcelona and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. Barca was beaten 1-0 by Bilbao at San Mames, where Inaki Williams headed in a dramatic 93rd-minute winner after La Real had seen off Madrid 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: Messi fires back at Barca sporting director Abidal after jibe Two sensational upsets added another layer of excitement to a competition that has been full of surprises this season, with Bilbao and Real Sociedad joining Granada and second division Mirandes in an unfamiliar line-up for the draw on Friday. "There have been some surprise results," said Williams. "Sometimes you just have to have faith and heart." For Barca, defeat was particularly painful, coming at the end of a turbulent week that saw Lionel Messi engage in a public spat with the club's sporting director Eric Abidal and Ousmane Dembele ruled out, probably for the rest of the season, with another hamstring tear. Also read: Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours To make matters worse, Gerard Pique hobbled off with his own injury problem in the second half against Bilbao and looks doubtful to face Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday. Messi's riposte that "everyone should take responsibility for their own decisions" after Abidal suggested Ernesto Valverde was sacked last month because of the players, means Barcelona are in political turmoil off the pitch. And the fear is Messi could even leave in the summer by activating a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away from the club for free. Defeat in the Copa del Rey, a distant third in Barca's list of priorities this season, will not dictate Messi's thinking but another setback certainly adds to the sense of a club currently in a state of crisis. Quique Setien has lost two of his opening six games in charge, with a Champions League tie against Napoli fast-approaching. The fall-out from another failure in Europe would prove longer-lasting. "We deserved to go through," said Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu. "But the ambition and attitude I saw on the field encourage me for the league and the Champions League. Success can come." For a rotated Madrid side, who sit top of La Liga, the loss against Real Sociedad was perhaps less damaging, even if they conceded as many goals in 69 minutes as they had in their last 11 matches put together. "It hurts, we have to be honest, nobody likes a defeat," said Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. Their 21-game unbeaten streak comes to an end after an uncharacteristically careless performance in which a rotated side highlighted the importance of the likes of Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Thibaut Courtois.

Basque double dumps Barcelona and Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey

Lionel Messi scored twice as&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;hammered Leganes 5-0 on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and deliver a much-needed boost for new coach Quique Setien.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barca-overpowered-by-rampant-valencia-for-first-defeat-under-setien-276582">Barca overpowered by rampant Valencia for first defeat under Setien</a>

Messi's double, as well as goals from Antoine Griezmann, Clement Lenglet and Arthur Melo rounded off an emphatic win at Camp Nou, where Barca successfully bounced back from Saturday's surprise La Liga loss away at Valencia.

"We did a lot of things well but I am not completely happy because we also lost control of the game in&nbsp;the latter stages of the first half," said Setien.

Defeat at Mestalla allowed Real Madrid to pull three points clear at the top of the league and put early pressure on Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde as coach earlier this month.

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His appointment will be judged on performances in the league and Champions League this season but Barca have a rich recent history in the Copa del Rey, which they have won in four of the last five years.&nbsp;

They will be in Friday's draw for the last eight but Sevilla will not after they fell to a shock 3-1 defeat away at Segunda side Mirandes. Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Granada, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao complete the list.

A home tie in the last 16 against La Liga's bottom club always looked a kind route back to winning ways for Setien's side, whose next four league fixtures now include Levante, Getafe and Eibar, all at home, as well as a trip to Real Betis.&nbsp;

Victories in those games would give Setien momentum but performances will be important to given his arrival was as much about changing&nbsp;Barcelona's style as their results.

After a ponderous display against Valencia, they outclassed Leganes, who pressed high from the start, despite early indications suggesting this&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;team might struggle more against opponents that sit deep.&nbsp;

Before the game, the Catalans' club director Guillermo Amor ruled out buying another striker before the end of the January transfer window on Friday, meaning Griezmann is likely to step into the role of the injured Luis Suarez down the middle.&nbsp;

“There may be a risk of injuries but I have confidence in the players I have," said Setien.&nbsp;"It wasn't to be and that's fine with me. We have to think about what we have and we are happy because in a few weeks&nbsp;we will have Dembele back too."&nbsp;

Griezmann made his case by opening the scoring after four minutes as Nelson Semedo cut back for the Frenchman to control and poke home his 13th goal of the season.&nbsp;

Another Griezmann strike was ruled out shortly after, only for Lenglet to head in Messi's corner at the near post to put&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;two up after 27 minutes.&nbsp;

Messi made it three after springing in behind just before the hour and then Arthur Melo, on for Griezmann, added another, banging in after both Ansu Fati and Messi had been denied.&nbsp;

Leganes were finished but Messi had one more goal left in him as he latched onto Ivan Rakitic's pass and rounded Pichu Cuellar, before finishing for his 19th of the season and third under a relieved Setien.&nbsp;

Sevilla's defeat to Mirandes, who sit 10th in the second tier, was the biggest shock of the round. Matheus Barrozo scored twice before Alvaro Rey put Mirandes out of sight. Sevilla's Nolito scored a late consolation.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona hammered Leganes 5-0 on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and deliver a much-needed boost for new coach Quique Setien.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona hammered Leganes 5-0 on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and deliver a much-needed boost for new coach Quique Setien. Also read: Barca overpowered by rampant Valencia for first defeat under Setien Messi's double, as well as goals from Antoine Griezmann, Clement Lenglet and Arthur Melo rounded off an emphatic win at Camp Nou, where Barca successfully bounced back from Saturday's surprise La Liga loss away at Valencia. "We did a lot of things well but I am not completely happy because we also lost control of the game in the latter stages of the first half," said Setien. Defeat at Mestalla allowed Real Madrid to pull three points clear at the top of the league and put early pressure on Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde as coach earlier this month. 5️⃣ Goals = Plenty of High 5️⃣s pic.twitter.com/t1kNc0Shsf — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 30, 2020 × His appointment will be judged on performances in the league and Champions League this season but Barca have a rich recent history in the Copa del Rey, which they have won in four of the last five years. They will be in Friday's draw for the last eight but Sevilla will not after they fell to a shock 3-1 defeat away at Segunda side Mirandes. Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Granada, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao complete the list. A home tie in the last 16 against La Liga's bottom club always looked a kind route back to winning ways for Setien's side, whose next four league fixtures now include Levante, Getafe and Eibar, all at home, as well as a trip to Real Betis. Victories in those games would give Setien momentum but performances will be important to given his arrival was as much about changing Barcelona's style as their results. After a ponderous display against Valencia, they outclassed Leganes, who pressed high from the start, despite early indications suggesting this Barcelona team might struggle more against opponents that sit deep. Before the game, the Catalans' club director Guillermo Amor ruled out buying another striker before the end of the January transfer window on Friday, meaning Griezmann is likely to step into the role of the injured Luis Suarez down the middle. “There may be a risk of injuries but I have confidence in the players I have," said Setien. "It wasn't to be and that's fine with me. We have to think about what we have and we are happy because in a few weeks we will have Dembele back too." Griezmann made his case by opening the scoring after four minutes as Nelson Semedo cut back for the Frenchman to control and poke home his 13th goal of the season. Another Griezmann strike was ruled out shortly after, only for Lenglet to head in Messi's corner at the near post to put Barcelona two up after 27 minutes. Messi made it three after springing in behind just before the hour and then Arthur Melo, on for Griezmann, added another, banging in after both Ansu Fati and Messi had been denied. Leganes were finished but Messi had one more goal left in him as he latched onto Ivan Rakitic's pass and rounded Pichu Cuellar, before finishing for his 19th of the season and third under a relieved Setien. Sevilla's defeat to Mirandes, who sit 10th in the second tier, was the biggest shock of the round. Matheus Barrozo scored twice before Alvaro Rey put Mirandes out of sight. Sevilla's Nolito scored a late consolation.

Copa del Rey: Boost for Setien as Messi leads Barca rout over Leganes

Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield.&nbsp;

Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge.

"I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said at a press conference on Friday.&nbsp;

"I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match.

"That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more.&nbsp;

"I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again.&nbsp;

"If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good."&nbsp;

Valverde was also asked again about his future.&nbsp;

"I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much."&nbsp;

Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row.&nbsp;

Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday.&nbsp;

"We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

'Hard blow'

"It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since.&nbsp;

"It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double.

"We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse."&nbsp;

Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years.&nbsp;

"After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde.&nbsp;

"You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup.&nbsp;

"We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January."&nbsp;

Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.&nbsp;

But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal.&nbsp;

Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend.&nbsp;

The club has not lifted &nbsp;trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008.&nbsp;

"We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."&nbsp;

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield. Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge. "I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge," Messi said at a press conference on Friday. "I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match. "That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more. "I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again. "If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good." Valverde was also asked again about his future. "I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much." Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row. Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday. "We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title," Messi said. 'Hard blow' "It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since. "It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double. "We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse." Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years. "After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde. "You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup. "We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January." Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal. Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend. The club has not lifted trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008. "We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."

Lionel Messi backs Valverde but admits Barca are still hurting

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-enters-copa-del-rey-final-coutinho-scores-opener-32261&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr54-4n7HiAhVQiHAKHXO0C4MQFjADegQIDRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bP5vswHELvzRAu46tL1rb">Copa del Rey final</a> as he 'has discomfort in his right knee'&nbsp;and will continue to receive treatment.

"FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen still has discomfort in his right knee and will continue receiving treatment during the coming weeks and, thus, has been ruled out for the Saturday's Copa del Rey final," club's official website said in a statement.

In this season, the 27-year old has played in 49 games, including both legs of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Madrid.

Ter Stegen displayed a scintillating performance in the Copa del Rey's second leg semi-final as in he managed to maintain a clean sheet in the match.

Moreover, he played in 11 Champions League clashes and the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.

However, he missed three La Liga games as he featured in 35 games out of 38 La Liga games.

Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 26.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the Copa del Rey final as he 'has discomfort in his right knee' and will continue to receive treatment.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the Copa del Rey final as he 'has discomfort in his right knee' and will continue to receive treatment. "FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen still has discomfort in his right knee and will continue receiving treatment during the coming weeks and, thus, has been ruled out for the Saturday's Copa del Rey final," club's official website said in a statement. In this season, the 27-year old has played in 49 games, including both legs of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Madrid. Ter Stegen displayed a scintillating performance in the Copa del Rey's second leg semi-final as in he managed to maintain a clean sheet in the match. Moreover, he played in 11 Champions League clashes and the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla. However, he missed three La Liga games as he featured in 35 games out of 38 La Liga games. Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 26.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to miss Copa del Rey final

A clinical Barcelona won 3-0 at Real Madrid in an intense second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday as a Luis Suarez double helped them secure a 4-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the final for the sixth straight season.

A dominant yet wasteful Real ravaged their rivals in the first half while spurning a string of clear chances at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Yet Barca went ahead against the run of play in the 50th minute as Ousmane Dembele led a counter-attack and Suarez slotted his pass into the net.

Spearheaded by the pace and confidence of Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr, Madrid continued to fly forward but failed to find the target.

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🔵🔴 This is becoming something of a habit ... And a very nice one too! <a href="https://t.co/uXLg07jjoj">https://t.co/uXLg07jjoj</a>
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Barca effectively killed off the tie when Raphael Varane bundled the ball into his own net as he tried to prevent Suarez reaching another cross from Dembele.

Suarez then earned a penalty and further humiliated Madrid by converting with an audacious 'Panenka', deceiving goalkeeper Keylor Navas by chipping the ball into the net.

Barca, who lost first leg games to Levante and Sevilla in the Cup and drew 1-1 with Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final, booked their place in the final at the Benito Villamarin stadium, the home of Real Betis, on May 25.

Bidding to win the trophy for a record fifth year in a row, the Catalans will face either Betis or Valencia, who drew 2-2 in the first leg of their semi-final and meet again on Thursday.

"This is another demonstration of how good this team is. People keep saying that we don't care about the Cup, but we have shown that we always want to win every single trophy," Suarez told reporters.

Numerous Chances

Real coach Santiago Solari stressed his side's dominance in the game but cursed their inability to take their numerous chances.

"In football, you have to be efficient and take the chances you get," he said.

"We fell with honour, we could do no more. We were not clinical but they were, and we go home feeling hurt because we really wanted to reach the final."

Worst of all for Madrid, La Liga leaders Barca will be back at the Bernabeu once again on Saturday for a league fixture which, should they win again, would see them move 12 points clear of their arch-rivals.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde attempted to neutralise the threat of Vinicius by deploying right-sided defenders Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo to protect the left flank but the Brazilian was still the most dangerous player in the first half.

Vinicius could have won a penalty when Semedo clattered into him and had three clear chances to score before the interval, failing to hit the target twice from inside the area, and being thwarted by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

He continued to dance his way through Barca's defence after the break but his final touch let him down.

Shortly after Suarez's opener, he cut into the box and delivered a cross which Sergio Reguilon met with a diving header, but Ter Stegen flew across his goal to repel the effort.

Madrid, who were also beaten 3-0 by Barca at the Bernabeu in La Liga last season and were thrashed 5-1 by their rivals back in October, lost their heads after that chance and there was no coming back following Varane's own goal.

Barca seemed to relish their role as Real's tormentors and Suarez took the ball from usual penalty taker Lionel Messi to complete their fourth victory in five visits to the Bernabeu with an ice-cool finish from the spot.

A clinical Barcelona won 3-0 at Real Madrid in an intense second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday as a Luis Suarez double helped them secure a 4-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the final for the sixth straight season.

A clinical Barcelona won 3-0 at Real Madrid in an intense second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday as a Luis Suarez double helped them secure a 4-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the final for the sixth straight season. A dominant yet wasteful Real ravaged their rivals in the first half while spurning a string of clear chances at the Santiago Bernabeu. Yet Barca went ahead against the run of play in the 50th minute as Ousmane Dembele led a counter-attack and Suarez slotted his pass into the net. Spearheaded by the pace and confidence of Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr, Madrid continued to fly forward but failed to find the target. 🔵🔴 This is becoming something of a habit ... And a very nice one too! https://t.co/uXLg07jjoj — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 28, 2019 × Barca effectively killed off the tie when Raphael Varane bundled the ball into his own net as he tried to prevent Suarez reaching another cross from Dembele. Suarez then earned a penalty and further humiliated Madrid by converting with an audacious 'Panenka', deceiving goalkeeper Keylor Navas by chipping the ball into the net. Barca, who lost first leg games to Levante and Sevilla in the Cup and drew 1-1 with Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final, booked their place in the final at the Benito Villamarin stadium, the home of Real Betis, on May 25. Bidding to win the trophy for a record fifth year in a row, the Catalans will face either Betis or Valencia, who drew 2-2 in the first leg of their semi-final and meet again on Thursday. "This is another demonstration of how good this team is. People keep saying that we don't care about the Cup, but we have shown that we always want to win every single trophy," Suarez told reporters. Numerous Chances Real coach Santiago Solari stressed his side's dominance in the game but cursed their inability to take their numerous chances. "In football, you have to be efficient and take the chances you get," he said. "We fell with honour, we could do no more. We were not clinical but they were, and we go home feeling hurt because we really wanted to reach the final." Worst of all for Madrid, La Liga leaders Barca will be back at the Bernabeu once again on Saturday for a league fixture which, should they win again, would see them move 12 points clear of their arch-rivals. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde attempted to neutralise the threat of Vinicius by deploying right-sided defenders Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo to protect the left flank but the Brazilian was still the most dangerous player in the first half. Vinicius could have won a penalty when Semedo clattered into him and had three clear chances to score before the interval, failing to hit the target twice from inside the area, and being thwarted by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. He continued to dance his way through Barca's defence after the break but his final touch let him down. Shortly after Suarez's opener, he cut into the box and delivered a cross which Sergio Reguilon met with a diving header, but Ter Stegen flew across his goal to repel the effort. Madrid, who were also beaten 3-0 by Barca at the Bernabeu in La Liga last season and were thrashed 5-1 by their rivals back in October, lost their heads after that chance and there was no coming back following Varane's own goal. Barca seemed to relish their role as Real's tormentors and Suarez took the ball from usual penalty taker Lionel Messi to complete their fourth victory in five visits to the Bernabeu with an ice-cool finish from the spot.

Copa del Rey: Luis Suarez double downs Real Madrid to send Barcelona into final

Winger Malcom's second half strike secured Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid to leave the Copa del Rey semi-final evenly poised on Wednesday after the first leg.

Brazilian Malcom, who started in place of Lionel Messi, curled home in the 58th minute to pull Barcelona level after Lucas Vazquez had fired Real Madrid ahead early on.

Vazquez struck after just six minutes to silence the Nou Camp at the end of a slick team move, with Santiago Solari’s side impressing in the opening stages.

However, Ivan Rakitic clipped the crossbar with a header as Barcelona fought for an equaliser and Malcom eventually found it when Luis Suarez’s shot rebounded to him off the post.

Messi, who suffered a thigh injury at the weekend against Valencia, appeared for the final half hour but could not help champions Barcelona find a late winner.

"Speaking generally, the draw was fair," said Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets.

"It was very even, everything will be decided in the second leg. There were chances for both sides to win the game. It's 50-50, even though they're at home.

"The goal will give (Malcom) a lot in terms of confidence, we hope that everyone in the squad can help us."

Malcom has struggled for game time since joining from Bordeaux last July as he is behind Messi, Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho in the pecking order.

However, Messi's injury gave him the chance to impress and the 21-year-old was Barcelona's liveliest player, always probing at Madrid's defence.

Wednesday's result would also have gone some way towards healing Real's wounded pride as their last visit to the Nou Camp ended in a 5-1 La Liga thrashing last October in what turned out to be Julen Lopetegui's final game in charge.

"Both sides have the chance to go through," said Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who made good saves from Suarez and Malcom.

"It was a good game. Everyone on the team worked hard when we needed to and we played well too."

The second leg takes place on Feb. 27 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Winger Malcom's second half strike secured Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid to leave the Copa del Rey semi-final evenly poised on Wednesday after the first leg.

Winger Malcom's second half strike secured Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid to leave the Copa del Rey semi-final evenly poised on Wednesday after the first leg. Brazilian Malcom, who started in place of Lionel Messi, curled home in the 58th minute to pull Barcelona level after Lucas Vazquez had fired Real Madrid ahead early on. Vazquez struck after just six minutes to silence the Nou Camp at the end of a slick team move, with Santiago Solari’s side impressing in the opening stages. However, Ivan Rakitic clipped the crossbar with a header as Barcelona fought for an equaliser and Malcom eventually found it when Luis Suarez’s shot rebounded to him off the post. Messi, who suffered a thigh injury at the weekend against Valencia, appeared for the final half hour but could not help champions Barcelona find a late winner. "Speaking generally, the draw was fair," said Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. "It was very even, everything will be decided in the second leg. There were chances for both sides to win the game. It's 50-50, even though they're at home. "The goal will give (Malcom) a lot in terms of confidence, we hope that everyone in the squad can help us." Malcom has struggled for game time since joining from Bordeaux last July as he is behind Messi, Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho in the pecking order. However, Messi's injury gave him the chance to impress and the 21-year-old was Barcelona's liveliest player, always probing at Madrid's defence. Wednesday's result would also have gone some way towards healing Real's wounded pride as their last visit to the Nou Camp ended in a 5-1 La Liga thrashing last October in what turned out to be Julen Lopetegui's final game in charge. "Both sides have the chance to go through," said Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who made good saves from Suarez and Malcom. "It was a good game. Everyone on the team worked hard when we needed to and we played well too." The second leg takes place on Feb. 27 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Malcom rescues draw for Barcelona in cup semi against Real Madrid 

Real Madrid will face defending champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

The draw made on Friday means there will be back-to-back Clasicos, with the second leg due to take place in the last week of February, before Madrid host Barca in La Liga on March 2.

The first leg will be played at the Camp Nou next week before a return at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Betis will play Valencia in the other semi-final.

Real Madrid's club director Emilio Butragueno said after the draw: "Madrid against Barcelona is one of the best matches that can be seen all over the world today. It will be a great knock-out match."

Barca are chasing a record fifth Copa del Rey success in a row while Madrid are into the last four for the first time since they won the competition in 2014.

Two Clasico games in a week will crank up the pressure on both teams at the end of the month but Real also have a testing schedule around the first leg, sandwiched between a city derby against Atletico in La Liga and their Champions League last-16 first leg away to Ajax.

Real reached the Copa del Rey semis after completing a 7-3 aggregate victory over Girona on Thursday while Barcelona pulled off a brilliant comeback to beat Sevilla, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit by winning 6-1 at the Camp Nou.

Valencia scored two late goals to overcome Getafe on Tuesday and Real Betis needed extra time to knock out Espanyol.

Betis have added motivation in this year's competition after their own stadium, the Benito Villamarin, was confirmed as the venue for the final on May 25.

Real Madrid will face defending champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The draw made on Friday means there will be back-to-back Clasicos, with the second leg due to take place in the last week of February, before Madrid host Barca in La Liga on March 2.

Real Madrid will face defending champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The draw made on Friday means there will be back-to-back Clasicos, with the second leg due to take place in the last week of February, before Madrid host Barca in La Liga on March 2. The first leg will be played at the Camp Nou next week before a return at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Betis will play Valencia in the other semi-final. Real Madrid's club director Emilio Butragueno said after the draw: "Madrid against Barcelona is one of the best matches that can be seen all over the world today. It will be a great knock-out match." Barca are chasing a record fifth Copa del Rey success in a row while Madrid are into the last four for the first time since they won the competition in 2014. Two Clasico games in a week will crank up the pressure on both teams at the end of the month but Real also have a testing schedule around the first leg, sandwiched between a city derby against Atletico in La Liga and their Champions League last-16 first leg away to Ajax. Real reached the Copa del Rey semis after completing a 7-3 aggregate victory over Girona on Thursday while Barcelona pulled off a brilliant comeback to beat Sevilla, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit by winning 6-1 at the Camp Nou. Valencia scored two late goals to overcome Getafe on Tuesday and Real Betis needed extra time to knock out Espanyol. Betis have added motivation in this year's competition after their own stadium, the Benito Villamarin, was confirmed as the venue for the final on May 25.

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid draw Barcelona in semis

Philippe Coutinho struck twice as Barcelona mounted a comeback to thrash Sevilla 6-1 and sweep into the Copa del Rey semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate on Wednesday.

After a 2-0 defeat in Seville last week in which they rested key players, the Catalans broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Coutinho slotted home from the penalty spot following Quincy Promes's foul on Lionel Messi.

Messi handed Coutinho the ball and the Brazilian playmaker converted the spot kick, ending a run of poor form.

"Leo encouraged me to take the penalty and that helped me gain confidence," said Coutinho. "The gesture shows what a great person he is."

Sevilla nearly equalised but Jasper Cillessen produced a brilliant save from Andre Silva's backheel, before the Dutch goalkeeper palmed away Ever Banega's penalty.

Gerard Pique fouled Roque Mesa and after a long delay while the incident was checked by VAR, Argentina midfielder Banega fired to the goalkeeper's left, but Cillessen flew across to keep the ball out.

Barcelona pulled the game level on aggregate in the 32nd minute when Ivan Rakitic nudged the ball past Juan Soriano with the faintest of touches after a sensational pass from Arthur.

Two goals in a two-minute spell after the break helped Barcelona race ahead, with Coutinho heading in from Luis Suarez's cross and Sergi Roberto tucking home a ball from Messi.

Guilherme Arana pulled a goal back for Sevilla with a powerful drive after the otherwise impressive Cillessen gave the ball away, but Pablo Machin's side were finally sunk when Suarez struck on the break and Messi added a late sixth.

"Coutinho spoke with Messi and took the penalty, I'm happy for his goals," said Sergi Roberto.

"We want him to be happy and that's it. He's a very important player for us."

Earlier Real Betis, whose Benito Villamarin stadium will host the final in May, beat Espanyol 3-1 at home after extra-time to progress 4-1 on aggregate.

Leo Baptistao headed Espanyol in front after 33 minutes but Giovani Lo Celso equalised in the 76th minute before Marc Roca was dismissed for the visitors.

Betis capitalised on their numerical advantage in extra-time, with Sergio Leon and Aissa Mandi's strikes earning them a semi-final spot.

Philippe Coutinho struck twice as Barcelona mounted a comeback to thrash Sevilla 6-1 and sweep into the Copa del Rey semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate on Wednesday. After a 2-0 defeat in Seville last week in which they rested key players, the Catalans broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Coutinho slotted home from the penalty spot following Quincy Promes's foul on Lionel Messi.

Philippe Coutinho struck twice as Barcelona mounted a comeback to thrash Sevilla 6-1 and sweep into the Copa del Rey semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate on Wednesday. After a 2-0 defeat in Seville last week in which they rested key players, the Catalans broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Coutinho slotted home from the penalty spot following Quincy Promes's foul on Lionel Messi. Messi handed Coutinho the ball and the Brazilian playmaker converted the spot kick, ending a run of poor form. "Leo encouraged me to take the penalty and that helped me gain confidence," said Coutinho. "The gesture shows what a great person he is." Sevilla nearly equalised but Jasper Cillessen produced a brilliant save from Andre Silva's backheel, before the Dutch goalkeeper palmed away Ever Banega's penalty. Gerard Pique fouled Roque Mesa and after a long delay while the incident was checked by VAR, Argentina midfielder Banega fired to the goalkeeper's left, but Cillessen flew across to keep the ball out. Barcelona pulled the game level on aggregate in the 32nd minute when Ivan Rakitic nudged the ball past Juan Soriano with the faintest of touches after a sensational pass from Arthur. Two goals in a two-minute spell after the break helped Barcelona race ahead, with Coutinho heading in from Luis Suarez's cross and Sergi Roberto tucking home a ball from Messi. Guilherme Arana pulled a goal back for Sevilla with a powerful drive after the otherwise impressive Cillessen gave the ball away, but Pablo Machin's side were finally sunk when Suarez struck on the break and Messi added a late sixth. "Coutinho spoke with Messi and took the penalty, I'm happy for his goals," said Sergi Roberto. "We want him to be happy and that's it. He's a very important player for us." Earlier Real Betis, whose Benito Villamarin stadium will host the final in May, beat Espanyol 3-1 at home after extra-time to progress 4-1 on aggregate. Leo Baptistao headed Espanyol in front after 33 minutes but Giovani Lo Celso equalised in the 76th minute before Marc Roca was dismissed for the visitors. Betis capitalised on their numerical advantage in extra-time, with Sergio Leon and Aissa Mandi's strikes earning them a semi-final spot.

Barcelona demolish Sevilla with spectacular 6-1 cup comeback

Barcelona overturned a first leg defeat to beat <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-strikes-hat-trick-as-barcelona-defeat-levante-5-0-184649">Levante in the Copa del Rey</a> on Thursday but could yet be thrown out of the competition after being accused of fielding an ineligible player.&nbsp;

Barca won 3-0 at the Camp Nou, with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-becomes-first-player-to-score-400-goals-in-la-liga-190141">Lionel Messi setting up two Ousmane </a>Dembele goals and then scoring himself to seal a 4-2 victory on aggregate.

Their place in the quarter-finals, however, is under threat after Levante president Francisco Javier Catalan confirmed shortly before kick-off that the club would lodge a complaint to the Spanish Football Federation on Friday.

Levante claim Barcelona defender Juan Brandariz 'Chumi' played illegally in the first leg as he should have been serving a suspension.&nbsp;

"Whatever happens on the field of play today, Levante are going to take this situation to the Federation," Catalan said earlier on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We feel that there is a solid enough precedent to back up the club's decision to do so."&nbsp;

Chumi was banned after he received a yellow card playing for Barcelona's B team in the Segunda B division.

Barcelona, however, insists a change in the rules in November means the suspension does not carry over into the Copa del Rey.&nbsp;

"There were never any doubts about Chumi, none," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We did everything right. Tomorrow we will be in the draw, we have no doubts, not before and not now."&nbsp;

Levante may feel precedent is on their side after Real Madrid were disqualified from the Copa del Rey in 2015 for fielding Denis Cheryshev, despite the player being suspended.&nbsp;

Madrid had overlooked Cheryshev receiving three yellow cards while playing for Villarreal in the competition the previous season.&nbsp;

"I tried to focus on the game," Levante coach Paco Lopez said. "I understand that the club does what it thinks is right. There are rules we all have to follow."

Barcelona were certainly worthy winners on the pitch at the Camp Nou and, as it stands, will join Real Madrid, Sevilla, Real Betis, Valencia, Girona, Getafe and Espanyol in the last eight of a tournament they won, as well as La Liga, last year.&nbsp;

That domestic double arguably took its toll in Europe, however, and Valverde has been under pressure to afford his key players more rest this season. Barca play Lyon in the Champions League last 16 next month.&nbsp;

Messi started, along with fellow regulars like Jordi Alba, Clement Lenglet, Ivan Rakitic and Arthur. Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Marc Andre ter Stegen all began on the bench.&nbsp;

Barcelona were dominant from the outset, as a curling Messi free-kick was pushed wide and Philippe Coutinho, excellent again, shot over.&nbsp;

Messi and Arturo Vidal both went close and finally in the 30th minute, Dembele made the breakthrough, latching onto Messi's pass before bundling the ball into the net.

A minute later, the Frenchman had a second. Coutinho found Messi on the break and he slipped free the sprinting Dembele, who ran round Aitor Fernandez and scuffed the ball home off the goalkeeper's outstretched leg.&nbsp;

Levante were still only a goal away from extra-time but Messi ended any hopes of a comeback. Dembele freed Nelson Semedo down the right and he found the Argentinian in the middle. A chipped finish was all it needed.

Barcelona overturned a first leg defeat to beat Levante in the Copa del Rey on Thursday but could yet be thrown out of the competition after being accused of fielding an ineligible player.

Barcelona overturned a first leg defeat to beat Levante in the Copa del Rey on Thursday but could yet be thrown out of the competition after being accused of fielding an ineligible player. Barca won 3-0 at the Camp Nou, with Lionel Messi setting up two Ousmane Dembele goals and then scoring himself to seal a 4-2 victory on aggregate. Their place in the quarter-finals, however, is under threat after Levante president Francisco Javier Catalan confirmed shortly before kick-off that the club would lodge a complaint to the Spanish Football Federation on Friday. Levante claim Barcelona defender Juan Brandariz 'Chumi' played illegally in the first leg as he should have been serving a suspension. "Whatever happens on the field of play today, Levante are going to take this situation to the Federation," Catalan said earlier on Thursday. "We feel that there is a solid enough precedent to back up the club's decision to do so." Chumi was banned after he received a yellow card playing for Barcelona's B team in the Segunda B division. Barcelona, however, insists a change in the rules in November means the suspension does not carry over into the Copa del Rey. "There were never any doubts about Chumi, none," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We did everything right. Tomorrow we will be in the draw, we have no doubts, not before and not now." Levante may feel precedent is on their side after Real Madrid were disqualified from the Copa del Rey in 2015 for fielding Denis Cheryshev, despite the player being suspended. Madrid had overlooked Cheryshev receiving three yellow cards while playing for Villarreal in the competition the previous season. "I tried to focus on the game," Levante coach Paco Lopez said. "I understand that the club does what it thinks is right. There are rules we all have to follow." Barcelona were certainly worthy winners on the pitch at the Camp Nou and, as it stands, will join Real Madrid, Sevilla, Real Betis, Valencia, Girona, Getafe and Espanyol in the last eight of a tournament they won, as well as La Liga, last year. That domestic double arguably took its toll in Europe, however, and Valverde has been under pressure to afford his key players more rest this season. Barca play Lyon in the Champions League last 16 next month. Messi started, along with fellow regulars like Jordi Alba, Clement Lenglet, Ivan Rakitic and Arthur. Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Marc Andre ter Stegen all began on the bench. Barcelona were dominant from the outset, as a curling Messi free-kick was pushed wide and Philippe Coutinho, excellent again, shot over. Messi and Arturo Vidal both went close and finally in the 30th minute, Dembele made the breakthrough, latching onto Messi's pass before bundling the ball into the net. A minute later, the Frenchman had a second. Coutinho found Messi on the break and he slipped free the sprinting Dembele, who ran round Aitor Fernandez and scuffed the ball home off the goalkeeper's outstretched leg. Levante were still only a goal away from extra-time but Messi ended any hopes of a comeback. Dembele freed Nelson Semedo down the right and he found the Argentinian in the middle. A chipped finish was all it needed.

Copa del Rey: Barcelona outplay Levante but threat of disqualification looms

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.

Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns&nbsp;will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash.

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???? <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>... Congratulations on getting to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don&#39;t bank on the same result as 2016 ???? 
 
See you very soon... <a href="https://t.co/2rTyqmdwWA">pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961731046537662465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating&nbsp;Valencia&nbsp;bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.

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???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3CrHGlIG0">pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961766869270069248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.

Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.

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???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? 
 
???? <a href="https://t.co/PGaVeWCfpj">pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961701256543834112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Barcelona will face Sevilla in the final set on April 21 and 22

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash. ???? @FCBarcelona... Congratulations on getting to the #CopaDelRey Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don't bank on the same result as 2016 ???? See you very soon... pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 × FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating Valencia bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. ???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer @Phil_Coutinho , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2018 × The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the #CopaDelRey Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 ×

Sevilla FC warns FC Barcelona ahead of Copa Del Rey final

Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.

Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.

The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.

Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.

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????⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> 
???? [Valencia v Bar&ccedil;a] 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/8zebzrThhI">pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961747765977075713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment,&quot; Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol.

&quot;I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final,&quot; he added.

Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach&nbsp;replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho.

Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

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???? Coutinho: &quot;I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Bar&ccedil;a and have helped the team get to the final. It&#39;s a special moment&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Ua0ZvDxGb">pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961737158347427840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," said Coutinho after the match

Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ????⚽ #CopaBarça ???? [Valencia v Barça] ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 × "For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol. "I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final," he added. Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho. Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. ???? Coutinho: "I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Barça and have helped the team get to the final. It's a special moment" #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 ×

Barcelona enters Copa del Rey final, Coutinho scores opener

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season,&nbsp;saying he needs to &quot;rest&quot;.

Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match press conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to stay in the hunt for a third league title.

&quot;I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it&#39;s been three unforgettable years,&quot; said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King&#39;s Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014.

&quot;It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think,&quot; said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer.

&quot;It&#39;s about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect,&quot; the Barcelona coach added.

&quot;I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That&#39;s the principle motive,&quot; he said.

&quot;The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around,&quot; he hoped.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnhh5ZAYpy0" width="854"></iframe>

Watch: Enrique&#39;s best moments

Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16.

Luis Enrique&#39;s final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season.&nbsp;

(WION)

He said he needed to 'rest', and that 'it's been three unforgettable years'

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season, saying he needs to "rest". Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match press conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to stay in the hunt for a third league title. "I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it's been three unforgettable years," said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King's Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014. "It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think," said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer. "It's about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect," the Barcelona coach added. "I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That's the principle motive," he said. "The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around," he hoped. Watch: Enrique's best moments Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16. Luis Enrique's final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season. (WION)

Luis Enrique to quit as Barcelona coach at end of season

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season,&nbsp;saying he needs to &quot;rest&quot;.

Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to keep up their bid for a third league title.

&quot;I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it&#39;s been three unforgettable years,&quot; said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King&#39;s Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014.

&quot;It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think,&quot; said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer.

&quot;It&#39;s about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect.

&quot;I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That&#39;s the principle motive.&quot;

&quot;The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around.&quot;

Some of Enrique&#39;s best moments at FC Barcelona

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0SI1tJcjjRI" width="854"></iframe>

Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16.

Luis Enrique&#39;s final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season. &nbsp;

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season, ?saying he needs to "rest"

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season, saying he needs to "rest". Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to keep up their bid for a third league title. "I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it's been three unforgettable years," said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King's Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014. "It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think," said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer. "It's about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect. "I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That's the principle motive." "The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around." Some of Enrique's best moments at FC Barcelona Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16. Luis Enrique's final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season.

Luis Enrique to quit as Barcelona boss at the end of season

Luis Suarez booked Barcelona&#39;s place in a fourth consecutive Copa del Rey final but was sent off as a bad-tempered 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday secured a 3-2 aggregate win.

Suarez&#39;s second goal of the tie looked to have put the semi-final beyond the visitors just before half-time.

However, the Uruguayan was one of three players sent-off in a pulsating second-half and will miss May&#39;s final against Alaves or Celta Vigo.

Kevin Gameiro set up a grandstand finish seven minutes from time moments after blazing a penalty over the bar.

But Barca saw out five minutes of stoppage time with nine men after Suarez&#39;s first red card for the club.

Atletico needed a first win at the Camp Nou since 2006 to have any chance of overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit inflicted by stunning goals from Suarez and Lionel Messi.

Yet, the visitors nearly secured the perfect start with a lightning counter-attack from a Barca corner that ended with Yannick Carrasco stinging the palms of Jasper Cillessen.

The Dutch goalkeeper also saved a long range effort from Koke before Filipe Luis&#39;s volley flew just wide.

Barca took 27 minutes to have an effort on goal when Messi&#39;s low drive was held by Miguel Angel Moya.

However, Atletico&#39;s intense early pressing eased as the half wore on and Barca went in front just before half-time thanks to more magic from Messi and Suarez.

Messi sucked in the Atletico defence and when his effort from the edge of the area was parried by Moya, Suarez gobbled up the rebound for his 23rd goal of the season.

Atletico were dealt an injury blow at the start of the second period as Diego Godin had to be replaced by Lucas Hernandez just five days after the French defender was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

However, the visitors were given a glimmer of hope just before the hour mark when Sergi Roberto dived in on Luis and was deservedly shown a second yellow card.

That hope should have been bolstered moments later when Antoine Griezmann smashed the ball inside Cillessen&#39;s far post, but was wrongly flagged offside.

Barca&#39;s nerves were eased when Atletico were also reduced to 10 men 21 minutes from time when a slip from Carrasco saw him wipe out Arda Turan, the Belgian also being shown a second yellow card.

Messi&#39;s incredible run of scoring free-kicks in 2017 nearly continued with a driven effort from fully 35 yards that came crashing back off the bar.

Atletico were given a lifeline when Gerard Pique was adjudged to have tripped Gameiro inside the area with 10 minutes remaining.

Griezmann had missed his fifth penalty in seven attempts at the weekend and handed over responsiblity to his compatriot, but Gameiro blazed over.

Just three minutes later, though, the two combined to great effect as Griezmann&#39;s decision to cross rather than shoot caught the Barca defence off guard and Gameiro rolled into an empty net.

Atletico then pilled on the pressure in search of a winning goal on the night to send the game into extra time.

Suarez was the thrid player to be shown a second yellow for a stray elbow on Koke.

But a great block from Samuel Umtiti to divert Luis&#39;s goalbound drive preserved Barca&#39;s incredible record of not having lost a tie to anyone other than Real Madrid in the Cup sine 2010.

(AFP)

Barcelona's Luis Suarez brandished his Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde self as he scored one and got sent off in an ill-tempered match

Luis Suarez booked Barcelona's place in a fourth consecutive Copa del Rey final but was sent off as a bad-tempered 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday secured a 3-2 aggregate win. Suarez's second goal of the tie looked to have put the semi-final beyond the visitors just before half-time. However, the Uruguayan was one of three players sent-off in a pulsating second-half and will miss May's final against Alaves or Celta Vigo. Kevin Gameiro set up a grandstand finish seven minutes from time moments after blazing a penalty over the bar. But Barca saw out five minutes of stoppage time with nine men after Suarez's first red card for the club. Atletico needed a first win at the Camp Nou since 2006 to have any chance of overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit inflicted by stunning goals from Suarez and Lionel Messi. Yet, the visitors nearly secured the perfect start with a lightning counter-attack from a Barca corner that ended with Yannick Carrasco stinging the palms of Jasper Cillessen. The Dutch goalkeeper also saved a long range effort from Koke before Filipe Luis's volley flew just wide. Barca took 27 minutes to have an effort on goal when Messi's low drive was held by Miguel Angel Moya. However, Atletico's intense early pressing eased as the half wore on and Barca went in front just before half-time thanks to more magic from Messi and Suarez. Messi sucked in the Atletico defence and when his effort from the edge of the area was parried by Moya, Suarez gobbled up the rebound for his 23rd goal of the season. Atletico were dealt an injury blow at the start of the second period as Diego Godin had to be replaced by Lucas Hernandez just five days after the French defender was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. However, the visitors were given a glimmer of hope just before the hour mark when Sergi Roberto dived in on Luis and was deservedly shown a second yellow card. That hope should have been bolstered moments later when Antoine Griezmann smashed the ball inside Cillessen's far post, but was wrongly flagged offside. Barca's nerves were eased when Atletico were also reduced to 10 men 21 minutes from time when a slip from Carrasco saw him wipe out Arda Turan, the Belgian also being shown a second yellow card. Messi's incredible run of scoring free-kicks in 2017 nearly continued with a driven effort from fully 35 yards that came crashing back off the bar. Atletico were given a lifeline when Gerard Pique was adjudged to have tripped Gameiro inside the area with 10 minutes remaining. Griezmann had missed his fifth penalty in seven attempts at the weekend and handed over responsiblity to his compatriot, but Gameiro blazed over. Just three minutes later, though, the two combined to great effect as Griezmann's decision to cross rather than shoot caught the Barca defence off guard and Gameiro rolled into an empty net. Atletico then pilled on the pressure in search of a winning goal on the night to send the game into extra time. Suarez was the thrid player to be shown a second yellow for a stray elbow on Koke. But a great block from Samuel Umtiti to divert Luis's goalbound drive preserved Barca's incredible record of not having lost a tie to anyone other than Real Madrid in the Cup sine 2010. (AFP)

Copa del Rey: Barcelona through to final after beating Atletico Madrid

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot.

Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez&#39;s third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout.

&quot;After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you,&quot; Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain.

The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday&#39;s semi-final draw.

Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday.

One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez&#39;s purple patch continued.

Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner.

&quot;We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half,&quot; added Enrique.

&quot;In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances.

&quot;When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage.&quot;

Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out.

And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors&#39; defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca&#39;s last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season.

Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen.

Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli.

The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time.

Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal&#39;s cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night.

(AFP)

The blaugrana team entered their seventh consecutive Cup semi-final by winning 6-2 on aggregate

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday. Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot. Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez's third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout. "After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you," Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain. The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday's semi-final draw. Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday. One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez's purple patch continued. Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner. "We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half," added Enrique. "In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances. "When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage." Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out. And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors' defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card. Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca's last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season. Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen. Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli. The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time. Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal's cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night. (AFP)

Copa del Rey: Barcelona pump in five to ease past Sociedad into semis

Celta Vigo held their fancied opponents Real Madrid to dump them out of the&nbsp;Copa del Rey.

A 2-2 stalemate meant Celta beat Los Blancos 4-3 on aggregate to enter the semi-finals of the cup tournament.

A Danila own goal right before half-time was a huge blow for the&nbsp;injury-plagued Real Madrid.

A fine free-kick from Ronaldo after the break gave Madrid hope.&nbsp;However, Daniel Wass restored Celta&#39;s lead five minutes from time before Lucas Vazquez&#39;s stoppage time header at least prevented Madrid from suffering a third defeat in four games.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Celta Vigo held Real at home to progress to the semi-finals of the cup tournament

Celta Vigo held their fancied opponents Real Madrid to dump them out of the Copa del Rey. A 2-2 stalemate meant Celta beat Los Blancos 4-3 on aggregate to enter the semi-finals of the cup tournament. A Danila own goal right before half-time was a huge blow for the injury-plagued Real Madrid. A fine free-kick from Ronaldo after the break gave Madrid hope. However, Daniel Wass restored Celta's lead five minutes from time before Lucas Vazquez's stoppage time header at least prevented Madrid from suffering a third defeat in four games. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Real Madrid dumped out of Copa del Rey by Celta Vigo

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