Athletic Bilbao Upsets Barcelona in Thrilling Copa del Rey Clash
Inaki Williams Leads Bilbao to Victory
In a dramatic Copa del Rey quarter-final at San Mames, Athletic Bilbao stunned Barcelona with a 4-2 win. Gorka Guruzeta’s early goal set the tone, but Barcelona responded through Lewandowski and young Yamal. Sancet leveled before halftime, leading to a tense second half.
Despite dominating possession, Barcelona fell short against a hungry Bilbao. Inaki Williams, back from the Africa Cup of Nations, made a decisive impact with an extra-time goal. His resilience mirrored his team’s spirit, and Nico sealed the win in stoppage time, delighting San Mames.
This victory marks Athletic Bilbao’s fifth consecutive semi-final appearance. Their relentless attack, with 27 shots, overwhelmed Barcelona. The absence of giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in the competition opens up possibilities for a new champion.
Bilbao, fueled by passionate fans and the Williams brothers, now stands as a frontrunner, eyeing the coveted Copa del Rey. The match showcased football’s unpredictability and set the stage for an exciting race to the trophy.