Barcelona held by Athletic Bilbao 0-0

12-22-2010 14:33 BJT

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Let's begin with football from the Spanish King's Cup. Barcelona's 10-game winning streak was on the line against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey.

Barca's Camp Nou stadium served as the backdrop for the La Liga leaders. The two sides faced-off in the first leg of the last 16 tie.

Twenty-year-old Barca striker Bojan Krkic got the first look, seven minutes in. But Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz was up to the task...he kept it 0-0.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Athletic Bilbao's midfielder Ander Iturraspe (L) during the Spanish King's Cup (Copa del Rey) football match Barcelona FC vs Athletic Bilbao on December 21, 2010 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Then Barca tried again from long-range: Andres Iniesta sent a 22-metre effort, but Iraizoz again tipped it away. Still 0-0 headed to halftime.

Ten minutes from the break, Bilbao saw its best chance of the first half. Carlos Gurpegi headed from a corner but the ball went just wide.

Lionel Messi went to the pitch to strengthen Barcelona's second half attack, but Bilbao shut him down.

At the 72nd minute, Barca's Dani Alves wastes another great chance to break the deadlock.

But the referee awarded Barcelona a free-kick three minutes later. Xavi tried it. Iraizoz saved it. Athletic Bilbao stayed even with the champs.

David Villa made an effort for Barca at 79 minutes. He was in the right spot but the ball went over the goal.

And Bilbao's defense caught another break 9 minutes from time. Villa seemed to score, but an offside call wiped the point off the board. The match ended Barcelona 0, Athletic Bilbao 0.