Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde makes huge claim after Espanyol shock defeat

BARCELONA boss Ernesto Valverde has claimed his side are the underdogs going into the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie following a 1-0 defeat against local rivals Espanyol tonight.

Barcelona dominated their quarter-final first leg clash with Lionel Messi at the heart of all their play.

The Argentina international was thwarted numerous times throughout the evening but had a glorious chance to open the scoring when Sergi Roberto was fouled in the area on the hour.

But Messi was denied by a fantastic save by Diego Lopez before Oscar Melendo stole the win for the hosts three minutes from time.

The defeat is not too damning for Barcelona, who will host the second leg at the Nou Camp.

But Valverde thinks his side will now go into that clash as the underdogs as they have to win by two or more goals to progress.

"The favourite is the one that is winning, the one that has the advantage,” Valverde said.

“We have taken the weight of the game and they have waited for us to take advantage of their option. They got the last scored with their last attack.

The field was a little dangerous to play because any inaccuracy could create a counter.

"The stoppage of the penalty gave them courage. We suffered in strategy but not in play, in this derby any detail could decide."

Barcelona will now turn their attention to league action when they face Real Betis on Sunday (7.45pm).