Bilbao Strips Barcelona of Copa del Rey Title

Barcelona, the defending champion, exited the Copa del Rey football tournament after losing 3-2 to hosts Athletic Bilbao following extra time in the Round of 16 on Thursday. Bilbao took the lead with a stunning shot from Iker Muniain into the net of Marc-André ter Stegen. New signing Ferran Torres equalized for the visiting team with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, scoring his first goal with the Catalan team. Iñigo Martínez restored Bilbao's lead four minutes before the end, but Barcelona forced extra time after Pedri equalized in stoppage time. Muniain secured Bilbao's victory with a penalty awarded by the referee after consulting the Video Assistant Referee due to a handball by Jordi Alba.