Copa del Rey wrap: Barca lose but advance, Almeria prevails

Barcelona lost its first match in 28 games as they went down to Real Betis 3-1 in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday.

It was the Catalans first loss in all competitions since a 2-0 defeat to Hercules in September, but it did not stop them from advancing to the semi-finals of the Spanish cup.

Barca won the tie 6-3 on aggregate following their 5-0 triumph in the first leg.

Nonetheless, it was a day to savour for the hosts at Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Loperaon Wednesday, with Real Betis getting off to a dream start when striker Jorge Molina flicked home the opening goal in the second minute.

Molina doubled his tally and his side’s lead just five minutes later when he latched onto a lightning through ball to give fans of the Segunda Division leaders hope of beating the Spanish champions.

Superstar midfielder Lionel Messi brought Betis back to earth when he scored in the 38th minute, but it was the closest Barcelona got as midfielder Arzu scored a third for the home side with a spectacular right-foot hook with his back to goal.

The ever-reliable Messi missed a golden opportunity to pull Barcelona within reach of their 29th unbeaten match in a row early in the second half when he missed from the penalty spot.

Almeria advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-2 second-leg victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

Last-placed on the La Liga table, Almeria had everything to play for and took a one-goal lead into the second leg at Deportivo’s Estadio Municipal de Riazor.

Almeria’s Corona and Crusat gave their side the perfect start with goals in the 19th and 20th minutes respectively, handing the visitors a near unbeatable 3-0 lead overall – including two away goals.

Deportivo’s Pablo Alvarez scored from the spot in the 44th minute, before Adrian equalised in the 51st minute to give the hosts hope of finding a winner.

But it was Almeria’s Swedish import Henok Goitom who sealed the match and tie when he converted a penalty in the 55th minute.