Copa del Rey: Messi misses penalty, scores rebound as Barcelona defeats Atletico

Barcelona took a slim advantage in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with a goal from Lionel Messi enough to give the Blaugrana a 1-0 win in the first leg at Camp Nou.

As is often the case when these two sides meet, the match was not without its contentious moments.

The only goal of the contest came in the 85th minute, as the hosts were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sergio Busquets. The timing was egregious enough for Atletico, whose protestations were surely fueled by the fact that Busquets, whose history of embellishment often overshadows his tactical importance to the side, was involved.

Was it a penalty? You be the judge.

As always, Messi waltzed to the penalty spot and assumed the spot-kick responsibilities. The result was disappointing for Atletico, but devastating for goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya:

Even when things go wrong for the little Argentine against Atletico, they work out.

Barcelona will now carry their 1-0 advantage into the second leg, which will be played on Jan. 28 at the Vicente Calderon.