The Triumph of Athletic Bilbao and the Demise of Barcelona: A Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clash
Iñaki Williams’ Dramatic Winning Goal Secures Athletic Bilbao’s Semifinal Berth
In a pulsating Copa del Rey quarterfinal encounter, Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious over Barcelona, prevailing 4-2 in extra time. The Basque Country club’s triumph was orchestrated by the heroics of Iñaki Williams, who returned from Ghana’s disappointing Africa Cup campaign to inspire his team to a hard-fought victory at the San Mames Stadium.
Williams, introduced as a substitute in the 59th minute, made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal in the 107th minute. The 29-year-old forward displayed remarkable composure, pouncing on the rebound of his own shot that had struck the post, and firing the ball into the net from close range. His younger brother, Nico Williams, added the icing on the cake in stoppage time, sealing Athletic’s passage to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive season.
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey Hopes Dashed Once Again
The defeat marked another setback for Barcelona, who were aiming to reach the Copa semifinals for the second straight year. The Catalan giants had already suffered a title disappointment earlier this season, losing 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. This latest setback adds to the growing pressure on manager Xavi Hernández, who has struggled to deliver consistent results despite significant investment in the squad.
Athletic Bilbao’s Resurgence Under Marcelino García Toral
Athletic Bilbao, under the guidance of coach Marcelino García Toral, have emerged as a resurgent force in Spanish football. The Basque club, known for its unwavering commitment to fielding players from its own academy, has reached the Copa del Rey final twice in the past three seasons, finishing as runners-up in both occasions. They will be eager to go one step further this season and lift the trophy for the first time since 1984.
A Match of Missed Opportunities and Dramatic Moments
The encounter between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona was a captivating affair, characterized by missed opportunities and dramatic moments. Athletic took an early lead through Gorka Guruzeta, but Barcelona responded with two quick-fire goals from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. Oihan Sancet equalized for Athletic in the second half, setting the stage for a tense and gripping finale.
Barcelona had a golden chance to win the match in regulation time when Yamal found himself one-on-one with Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. However, the teenage forward squandered the opportunity, missing the open net from inside the area. The match eventually went into extra time, where Williams emerged as the hero for Athletic.
Girona’s Copa del Rey Hopes Crushed by Mallorca
In another quarterfinal clash, Spanish league leaders Girona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey, losing 3-2 to Mallorca. The hosts raced to a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Cyle Larin, Abdón Prats, and Antonio Raíllo. Girona fought back in the second half with goals from Cristhian Stuani and Savinho, but it was not enough to prevent their elimination.
Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla Vie for Semifinal Berths
On Tuesday, Real Sociedad booked their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo. The Basque club will be looking to replicate their success from four seasons ago when they lifted the trophy.
On Thursday, Atlético Madrid, who eliminated defending champions Real Madrid in the round of 16, will host struggling Sevilla in the remaining quarterfinal fixture. Sevilla, currently languishing just outside the relegation zone in the Spanish league, will be desperate to salvage their season with a cup run.
The Copa del Rey semifinals will take place over two legs, with the first legs scheduled for February 8-9 and the second legs on March 1-2. The final will be held on May 6 at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville.