Xavi reaches 700, Barcelona forge on
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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FC Barcelona eased into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals as Xavi Hernández made his 700th appearance for the club, while Real Sociedad de Fútbol edged Villarreal CF.
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FC Barcelona cruised into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals as two-goal Lionel Messi helped them complete a 6-0 aggregate victory over Getafe CF while Real Sociedad de Fútbol also progressed by overcoming Villarreal CF.
Making his first start since returning from injury, Messi flashed an early effort wide as he looked to add to the 4-0 advantage the 26-time cup winners carried forward from their home first leg. Getafe's Juan Rodríguez volleyed an excellent opening straight at José Manuel Pinto but Messi turned in Cristian Tello's cross on 44 minutes to further enhance the Barça cushion. It was not all good news for the Catalans, however, who saw Neymar hobble off after falling awkwardly on his ankle.
Messi burst through the defence and rounded goalkeeper Jordi Codina to slot in the second in the 63rd minute, ensuring the Blaugrana advanced to a last-eight meeting with Levante UD. Xavi Hernández came on in the second half for his 700th Barça appearance.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad joined Barcelona in the next round after a narrow victory at Villarreal booked them a tie with third-division Real Racing Club – the sole non-Primera División presence in the quarter-finals. After a scoreless first leg, Javier Ros scrambled in a 33rd-minute winner to help Jagoba Arrasate's side to a 1-0 aggregate success, avenging the Basques' 5-1 Liga loss in the same stadium on Monday. Jérémy Perbet missed a second-half penalty for the hosts.
Quarter-final draw (21/22/23 & 28/29/30 January)
Levante UD v FC Barcelona
Real Sociedad de Fútbol v Real Racing Club
RCD Espanyol v Real Madrid CF
Club Atlético de Madrid (holders) v Athletic Club
Semi-final draw (4/5/6 & 11/12/13 February)
Levante/Barcelona v Sociedad/Racing
Espanyol/Madrid v Atlético/Athletic
Final: 19 April