Barcelona faced elimination from the Copa del Rey as Athletic Bilbao delivered a decisive extra-time double blow, securing a 4-2 victory and sending the Catalan giants crashing out of the tournament.
Athletic Bilbao stunned Barcelona with a 4-2 victory in a thrilling Copa del Rey quarterfinal on Wednesday. The hosts took an early lead with Gorka Guruzeta’s first-minute strike, but Barcelona responded with two goals before halftime. Yuri Berchiche’s own goal and a brilliant effort by Lamine Yamal put Barcelona ahead. However, Athletic fought back, leveling the score at 2-2 with Oihan Sancet’s towering header.
In the second half, Athletic pressed forward, and Nico Williams caused trouble for Barcelona’s defense. Despite missed chances, Athletic dominated in extra time. Inaki Williams and Nico Williams secured the win with goals in the added period.
Inaki Williams, who had just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, expressed his disbelief at the victory. “Not even in the best of dreams I have seen this coming,” he said. Athletic now joins Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and the winner of Atletico Madrid vs. Sevilla in the semifinals.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez faced increased pressure with this defeat, as the team struggles in LaLiga. Xavi, however, remained calm, focusing on the remaining important titles – LaLiga and the Champions League.
Real Sociedad won 2-1 against Celta Vigo, while Mallorca eliminated surprise LaLiga leaders Girona 3-2. Barcelona’s loss highlights the challenges they face in a turbulent season, sitting third in LaLiga standings. The road to redemption continues in the Champions League against Napoli in the last-16.
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