Messi misses penalty, Barcelona loses to Espanyol in Copa

By AP
Published

MADRID (AP) Lionel Messi missed a penalty and Barcelona conceded a late goal in a 1-0 loss to city rival Espanyol in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The result ended a 29-match unbeaten streak for Barcelona in all competitions. It hadn't lost since its second game of the season in August.

Messi failed from the spot in the 62nd minute, his shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Diego Lopez. Youngster Oscar Melendo netted the winner for the hosts in the 88th minute with his first goal as a professional.

It was Espanyol's first win against Barcelona at its RCDE Stadium.

The second leg of the Catalan derby is next week at Camp Nou.

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