Copa del Rey: Holders Barcelona knocked out by Athletic Bilbao as Real Madrid edge past Elche

Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey after suffering a 3-2 defeat in extra-time at Athletic Bilbao in the last 16 on Thursday as their difficult season continued.

Defending champions Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey after suffering a 3-2 defeat in extra-time at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in the last 16 on Thursday. On the other hand, Real Madrid fought back from a goal down in extra time to beat Elche 2-1 and reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

The Catalan club also trail Real Madrid by 17 points in La Liga, and the Europa League is the only title it can realistically play for in its first season since the departure of Lionel Messi, the Argentina star who moved to Paris Saint-Germain.