Copa del Rey wrap: Bilbao deny Barca

Barcelona’s 10-match winning streak came to an end after being held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Athletic Bilbao.

The result ended Barcelona’s run dating back to November 2, when they drew 1-1 with Copenhagen in the Champions League.

The Spanish league and cup champions could not negotiate a way past Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz at the Camp Nou in what was a rematch of last season’s cup final, which the Catalans won 4-1.

The introduction of star midfielder Lionel Messi and young forward Bojan Krkic shortly after half-time did not have the desired effect for manager Pep Guardiola, and now the champions must win away at Bilbao’s Estadio San Mames on January 4 to progress to the quarter-finals.

Cordoba pulled back a vital goal in their round-of-16 clash against Deportivo La Coruna, the match finishing 1-1.

Deportivo forward Riki converted a penalty in the 17th minute to give the hosts the early advantage and a valuable away goal at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel, but Pepe Diaz equalised for the hosts in the final 20 minutes.

Valencia and Villarreal played out a 0-0 draw at Estadio de Mestalla in the first leg of their clash on Tuesday.