Lionel Messi had a punishment spared as the triple Copa del Rey holders Barcelona persevered through an unexpected 1-0 vanquish against Espanyol in a quarter-last first leg on Wednesday, finishing an unbeaten keep running of 29 diversions in all rivalries.
Espanyol's foundation graduate Oscar Melendo scored the main objective of the diversion in the 88th moment after Messi had his spot-kick dismissed by the previous Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez prior in the second half.
Barça had not lost against Espanyol since 2009 and this was their first thrashing by their nearby opponents in the Cup since 1970. The last amusement they had lost in any opposition was in the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid on 16 August.
