To say it’s been a frustrating opening half for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 would be an understatement. Not only have they conceded two goals to the hosts to trail 2-0 at halftime, but they’ve seen one of their defenders receive a clear punch with any repercussion.
Athletic’s first goalscorer of the night, Aritz Aduriz, tangled with Samuel Umtiti in the Barcelona goal following a scoring chance for the hosts. Replays show that the striker swung a punch at the Barcelona center back and connected with his neck, leaving him writhing in pain on the ground.