Here’s a quick look at the most interesting facts and figures surrounding Wednesday night’s first-leg
- With Wednesday’s victory in Bilbao, Luis Enrique stayed undefeated in the Copa del Rey as Barça’s coach. Since he took over before last season FCB have 13 wins, one draw and no defeats in the competition with 48 goals for and just nine against.
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Sergio Busquets was once again brilliant in directing play in midfield. Omnipresent throughout the match, Busquets had 18 ball recoveries, while Javier Mascherano had 13 and Dani Alves had 10.
- The victory extended Barça’s undefeated streak to 23 matches across all competitions. Ever since falling at Sevilla on 3 October, FCB have 18 wins and five draws in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Neymar Jr. has made Athletic Club one of his favourite victims, with six goals in the last five games he has played against them, dating back to last season.
- Barça have yet to lose while wearing this season’s new, electric blue “Night Rising” uniform. They drew in their first three games (1–1 at Roma, 0–0 at Villanovense, and 1–1 at Bayer Leverkusen) but have now won their last two (3–0 over Guangzhou in the Club World Cup and last night’s 2–1 win at Athletic).
- Sergi Roberto once again showed he is a jack of all trades. After playing the final minutes of Sunday’s 6–0 league win at left full-back, Roberto started there — and played very well — on Wednesday night due to injuries to Jérémy Mathieu and Jordi Alba.