Barcelona’s Copa del Rey Hopes Crushed by Athletic Bilbao in Extra Time Thriller
Barcelona’s pursuit of silverware this season suffered a major setback on Wednesday as they fell to a 4-2 away defeat against Athletic Bilbao in extra time in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The Blaugrana, seeking to bounce back from their Spanish Super Cup disappointment earlier this month, were undone by a resilient Bilbao side inspired by the Williams brothers, Iñaki and Nico.
A Tale of Two Halves and Extra Time Drama
The match at the San Mamés Stadium began disastrously for Barcelona, conceding a goal within 35 seconds. Gorka Guruzeta capitalized on a defensive lapse, volleying home a rebound to give Bilbao an early advantage. However, the Blaugrana responded with determination, equalizing in the 25th minute through a fortunate ricochet off Robert Lewandowski’s attempted clearance.
Barcelona’s resurgence continued as they grabbed the lead just before the break. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, making his mark on the Copa del Rey stage, unleashed a delightful left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, becoming the youngest player this century to score in the competition.
The second half saw Athletic Bilbao fight back, leveling the scores through Oihan Sancet’s header. Both teams traded chances in regulation time, but neither could find the winning goal, forcing the contest into extra time.
The additional period proved decisive, with Iñaki Williams breaking the deadlock for Bilbao. Latching onto a through ball, the Ghanaian forward’s shot rebounded off the post and fortuitously fell back into his path for a simple tap-in. His younger brother, Nico Williams, sealed the victory for the hosts in the dying moments, slotting home with the outside of his right boot.
Xavi’s Disappointment and Praise for Youngsters
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández expressed his disappointment with the result, acknowledging the missed opportunity for a trophy. However, he praised his young players, highlighting their fantastic performance despite the defeat. Xavi also acknowledged the challenging nature of playing against Athletic Bilbao, known for their intense and aggressive style of play.
Girona’s Title Hopes Dented by Mallorca Upset
In another Copa del Rey quarterfinal upset, La Liga surprise package Girona suffered a 3-2 away defeat to Mallorca. The Blanquivermells, enjoying their fourth season in the top flight, had harbored hopes of a league and cup double, but their aspirations were thwarted by a determined Mallorca side.
Mallorca, sitting significantly lower in the league standings, stunned Girona with a 3-0 lead at home within the first half. Despite a second-half rally, including a penalty conversion by Cristhian Stuani and a late goal from Sávio, Girona’s comeback attempt fell short. The result leaves them solely focused on their league campaign.
Copa del Rey Semifinalists Set
With the quarterfinal matches concluded, the Copa del Rey semifinals are now set. Real Madrid, the defending champions, will face Barcelona in a highly anticipated El Clásico clash. The other semifinal will see Osasuna take on Athletic Bilbao, promising an intriguing battle between two Basque Country rivals.
Reflecting on the Quarterfinals
The Copa del Rey quarterfinals provided plenty of drama, upsets, and memorable moments. Barcelona’s disappointing exit, Girona’s title hopes being dented, and the emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal added to the excitement of the competition. As the semifinals approach, anticipation builds for more thrilling encounters and the eventual crowning of the Copa del Rey champions.
Don’t miss the upcoming Copa del Rey semifinals, where the best teams in Spain will battle it out for a spot in the final. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the tournament as we bring you all the latest news and insights.