Big three fire Barca to victory 

London: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as holders Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 on Wednesday to overturn a deficit from the first leg and advance to the quarter-finals of the King's Cup.

A Luis Suarez volley put Barca ahead in the 35th minute while Brazil international Neymar earned and converted a penalty three minutes into the second half. Athletic responded immediately though, substitute defender Gorka Elustondo crossing for Barcelona-born Enric Saborit to head home in the 51st minute.

Messi had squandered two free kicks in the first half but avoided the possibility of extra time and penalties by curling a dead ball in off the post in the 79th, his second converted set piece in four days.

Southampton stun Liverpool

Nathan Redmond's fine first-half goal gave Southampton a 1-0 win over Liverpool in their League Cup semi-final first leg at St Mary's on Wednesday, but the tie remains in the balance after the hosts squandered a series of chances. The Saints were deserved winners against a disappointing Liverpool side, who did far less with the greater share of possession.