Stadium: San Mamés
Competition: Spanish Copa del Rey, #ATHFCB
Season: 2023/24, 24 January 2024, QF
Key Notes:
– Barcelona knocked out of Cup as Athletic hit extra-time double
– AFC Asian Cup 2023 underway & African Cup of Nations 2024 underway
– Inaki Williams, who arrived back in Bilbao from the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday morning, played a pivotal role in inspiring the hosts to victory during extra time.
– Scoring: 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 2:2, 3:2, 4:2
Lineups:
ATH: (Ernesto Valverde)
Aguirrezabala; Lekue, Walls, Vivian, Yuri; Vesga, Meadows, Sancet, Adu Ares, Nico Williams; Guruzeta
FCB: (Xavi)
Crag; Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde; Frenkie of Jong, Gündogan, Pedri; Lamine, Lewandowski and Ferran.
Summary:
Samuel Lino capitalized on a close-range opportunity to give Atletico the lead. However, goalkeeper Jan Oblak inadvertently knocked Luka Modric’s free-kick into his own net, leveling the score for Real.
Barcelona’s fortunes turned when Athletic’s Yuri Berchiche’s attempt to clear the ball from his own six-yard box inadvertently resulted in Robert Lewandowski redirecting it into the empty net in the 27th minute. Lamine Yamal then showcased his skill by eluding three defenders, reaching the edge of the box, cutting inside, and slotting a brilliant strike just inside the far post.
Athletic fought back in the second half, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 49th minute with a towering header from Oihan Sancet, courtesy of a splendid cross from the left by Nico Williams. Despite Athletic’s pressure for a third goal, Nico Williams’ skill causing issues for Barcelona’s defense, and 16-year-old Yamal missing two close-range chances, the regular time ended without a decisive winner.
In extra time, Athletic capitalized on their superiority. Inaki Williams fired home a rebound from his own close-range strike that hit the post two minutes into added time, and Nico Williams secured the victory in the last action of the game with a fine curling strike into the top corner.
1:0 Guruzeta (1′)
1:1 Lewandowski (26′)
1:2 Yamal (32‘)
2:2 Sancet (49′)
3:2 Iñaki Williams (105+2′)
4:2 Nico Williams (120’+1)
Tell us in the comments what you think. Thanks for taking the time to contribute. Let’s enjoy in every fracking football game around the planet like it is Barca or Real game, every game.
Mario Hren
