Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao Clash in Copa del Rey Quarterfinals: A Historical Rivalry Renewed

January 25, 2024

Barcelona, Spain – Two of the most storied clubs in Spanish football history, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, will face off in a highly anticipated Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash at San Mamés on Wednesday, January 25, 2024. The match promises to be a captivating encounter between two teams with a rich history and a deep-rooted rivalry.

A Tale of Two Titans: Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey Legacy

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the most successful clubs in Copa del Rey history, with a combined 54 titles between them. Barcelona leads the way with 31 titles, while Athletic Bilbao has won the cup 23 times. The two teams have met in the final nine times, with Barcelona winning seven and Athletic Bilbao winning two.

Their rivalry in the Copa del Rey dates back to the early days of the competition, with their first meeting coming in the 1920 final, which Barcelona won 2-0. Since then, they have faced each other 44 times in the Copa del Rey, making it one of the most frequently contested fixtures in the tournament’s history.

Recent History: Athletic Bilbao’s Triumph and Barcelona’s Redemption

The most recent meeting between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey came in the 2022 Round of 16, where Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in extra time, thanks to a penalty converted by Iker Muniain. This victory marked a significant upset, as Barcelona were the heavy favorites heading into the match.

However, Barcelona has a chance to exact revenge and advance to the semifinals when they face Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés on Wednesday. The Catalan giants will be eager to make amends for their disappointing exit in 2022 and add another Copa del Rey title to their impressive collection.

Key Players to Watch

Barcelona:

• Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker has been in scintillating form for Barcelona this season, scoring 23 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. His goalscoring prowess and ability to create chances for his teammates make him a constant threat.
• Pedri: The young midfielder has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in world football. His exceptional passing range, dribbling skills, and creativity make him a vital cog in Barcelona’s midfield.
• Ronald Araujo: The Uruguayan defender has been a rock at the heart of Barcelona’s defense this season. His physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game make him a formidable opponent for any attacker.

Athletic Bilbao:

• Iker Muniain: The Basque winger is the heart and soul of Athletic Bilbao. His skill, pace, and ability to create chances make him a dangerous threat on the flanks.
• Oihan Sancet: The young midfielder has emerged as a key player for Athletic Bilbao this season. His energy, tenacity, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game make him a valuable asset to the team.
• Ander Herrera: The experienced midfielder brings a wealth of experience and quality to Athletic Bilbao’s midfield. His passing range, vision, and ability to control the game make him a key player for the Basque club.

Tactical Battle: Xavi vs. Valverde

The match will also be a tactical battle between two of the most respected coaches in Spanish football: Xavi Hernández and Ernesto Valverde. Xavi, a former Barcelona player, took over the reins at the Camp Nou in 2021 and has implemented an attacking style of play that has seen the team score plenty of goals.

Valverde, on the other hand, is known for his pragmatic approach and ability to get the best out of his players. He led Athletic Bilbao to the Copa del Rey final in 2021 and has the Basque club challenging for a top-four finish in La Liga this season.

High Stakes and a Place in the Semifinals

The stakes are high for both teams in this quarterfinal clash. Barcelona will be eager to avoid another early exit from the Copa del Rey and continue their quest for a domestic double. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will be looking to make a statement and reach the semifinals of the competition for the first time since 2022.

The winner of this match will advance to the semifinals, where they will face either Osasuna or Sevilla. The semifinals will be played over two legs, with the first legs taking place on February 8 and 9, and the second legs on February 22 and 23.

Conclusion: A Clash of History and Rivalry

The Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the most storied clubs in Spanish football. With a rich history of rivalry and a place in the semifinals at stake, this match is sure to produce fireworks and plenty of excitement for football fans around the world.