Barcelona slump to surprise defeat
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Alberto Rivera (right) celebrates his goal against Barcelona
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MADRID, Spain -- Midfielder Alberto Rivera converted a 10th-minute penalty to earn Division Two leaders Levante a 1-0 win over Barcelona in the third round, first leg of the Spanish King's Cup.
Spanish international defender Carles Puyol was adjudged to have pulled striker David Aganzo, and Rivera calmly stroked home the resulting spot-kick.
Barcelona hit back in the second half but Levante goalkeeper Jose Ignacio Aizpurrua denied Ronaldinho, Javier Saviola and substitute Sergio Garcia.
Mexican defender Rafael Marquez hit the woodwork with a header in the 70th minute, while Andres Iniesta missed a late chance as Barcelona's poor finishing continued to the final whistle.
The victory continues Levante's superb form in the competition, following their defeat of holder Real Mallorca in the previous round.
Meanwhile, Sevilla took a giant step towards the quarter-finals with a 3-1 first leg victory at Villarreal.
Brazilian midfielder Juliano Belletti scored a brilliant solo goal to put the home side ahead but Julio Baptista levelled early in the second half with a deft chip over goalkeeper Javier Lopez Vallejo
Daniel Alves gave Sevilla the lead when he drilled in with a low angled shot after a fine pass from Jose Antonio Reyes and Baptista capped a brilliant individual performance to claim his second with another classy finish.
