In a thrilling quarter-final clash, Athletic Bilbao delivered a stunning blow to Barcelona, securing a 4-2 victory in extra time and knocking the visitors out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. The match showcased remarkable performances, notably from brothers Inaki and Nico Williams, whose goals in extra time sealed the fate of the encounter.
Athletic’s Early Lead and Barca’s Comeback
Athletic Bilbao wasted no time asserting dominance as Gorka Guruzeta’s early strike within the first minute provided an early advantage. However, Barcelona swiftly responded with two goals before halftime, displaying resilience in the face of adversity.
Momentum Swings and Athletic’s Resurgence
Despite Barcelona’s initial surge, Athletic Bilbao’s determination saw them equalize in the 49th minute, courtesy of Oihan Sancet’s powerful header. Led by the skillful Nico Williams, Athletic consistently threatened Barcelona’s defense, maintaining pressure throughout the match.
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Extra-Time Drama: Athletic’s Triumph
As the game entered extra time, Athletic Bilbao capitalized on their momentum. Inaki Williams broke the deadlock with a rebounded strike just minutes into added time. The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion by Nico Williams, whose exquisite curling shot secured Athletic’s advancement.
Post-Match Reflections and Future Prospects
Reflecting on the match, Inaki Williams expressed disbelief at their victory, emphasizing the challenges overcome, including his swift return from international duty. Athletic Bilbao’s success sees them advance to the semi-finals alongside Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and the winner of the upcoming Atletico Madrid versus Sevilla clash.
Barcelona’s Manager Addresses Defeat
The defeat adds to the pressure on Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez amid a challenging season. However, Xavi remains focused on future competitions, highlighting LaLiga and the Champions League as primary objectives.
In summary, Athletic Bilbao’s triumph over Barcelona showcases the unpredictable nature of football, highlighting the resilience and skill of both teams in a memorable Copa del Rey encounter.