Barcelona succumbed to a defeat in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie with Levante.

Ernesto Valverde decided to rest a number of key players for the match, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both not included.

He still fielded a strong side, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Coutinho and Malcom all playing.

However, they were far from their best as they were beaten 2-1.

The hosts raced into a two goal lead within 18 minutes, with Erick Cabaco and Borja Mayoral both finding a way past Jesper Cillessen.

Barca improved after the break and Coutinho managed to pull one back from the penalty spot with five minutes to play.

However, Levante held on to ensure they possess a slender advantage going into the second leg at the Camp Nou next week.

It really was a poor day for Barcelona.

Not many of the club's players can hold their heads up high after the performance.

And two players that should really feel embarrassed are Sergio Busquets and Jasper Cillessen.

With Barcelona 2-0 down in the second half, both players tried desperately to get a Levante man sent off. 

The two players were tussling with Chema from a corner on the brink of half-time.

In trying to antagonise his opponent, Cillessen appeared to tread on his heel.

In retaliation, Chema's elbow then made contact with Cillessen's body, prompting the Dutchman to go down. 

For some unknown reason, Busquets went down simultaneously as both players tried to feign injury.

You can watch the moment below:

Embarrassing stuff.

Cillessen was caught, but there was not enough contact for him to go to the ground.

As for Busquets, well, he's got to be ashamed with his actions.

Credit to the referee for seeing their play acting and not punishing Chema.