Messi magic sends Barca into quarters

 

   Lionel Messi's third goal from a free-kick in as many games this year secured Barcelona's place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey as the holders beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 to edge through 4-3 on aggregate yesterday.

   Luis Suarez's 100th Barca goal and Neymar's penalty cancelled out Athletic's 2-1 first leg lead, but Enric Saborit's header six minutes into the second-half had the tie headed for extra time.
However, just as in the first leg and in a 1-1 draw at Villarreal on Sunday, Messi rode to Barca's rescue with another exquisite free-kick that clipped the inside of the post on its way past Gorka Iraizoz.
   Barca were under huge pressure to deliver their first win of the year as the slip-up at Villarreal left them five points adrift of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, who also have a game in hand.
    Barcelona will be joined by Real Sociedad, Alcorcon and Alaves in Friday's draw after they also secured their place in the last eight yesterday.
   Real Madrid carries a comfortable 3-0 lead into the second leg of their tie away at Sevilla today.