Villanovense hold Barca in Copa del Rey

FC Barcelona's defense of the Spanish Copa del Rey got off to a stuttering start as they were held to a 0-0 draw by third tier side Villanovense in their last 32 first leg tie.

Although Barca have the return leg in the Camp Nou to look forward to in order to assure their progress into the next round, the result is still disappointment for Barca, although credit should also be given to their rivals, whose ground holds just 4,000 fans and who held off Barca without too many problems.

Barca coach Luis Enrique decided to rest Luis Suarez and Neymar against the third category side, so with Leo Messi still injured, none of their fearsome attacking trio was in action.

Although Barca fielded essentially a second string side players such as Adriano and Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen and Douglas were in the starting 11, along with Sandro Ramirez and Munir, who have both played minutes since Messi's injury.

The game itself was a slightly lackluster affair as Barca's young team controlled the ball but failed to create enough clear cut chances against a rival which gave absolutely everything on the pitch.

Villanovense had few chances to score, but rarely looked inferior to their treble winning rivals and will travel to the return leg in December knowing that an away goal would give them a chance of knocking the cup holders out of the competition.

Meanwhile earlier in the day, Javier Mascherano received a two-game ban from the Spanish Football Federation after being sent off for swearing at the end of Sunday's 3-1 win at home to Eibar.

The Argentinean will miss next weekend's trip to Getafe and the home game against Villarreal a week later, but will be able to play in the 'Clasico' against Real Madrid following the international break. Endit