Barcelona’s quest for Copa del Rey glory came to an abrupt end following a dramatic 4-2 defeat in extra time at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in the quarterfinals. The match, held on Wednesday, saw Barcelona exit their second cup competition in quick succession, having previously lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this month.
The encounter with Bilbao proved to be a rollercoaster, finishing 2-2 in regular time before Bilbao surged ahead in the additional period, thanks to goals from brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams. Remarkably, Iñaki Williams had only just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he represented Ghana. Landing back in Spain on the morning of the match, he made a significant impact in the cup tie.
Barcelona, currently trailing by eight points in La Liga, experienced another setback with this loss. However, they still have a UEFA Champions League tie against Napoli on the horizon. Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, expressed mixed feelings after the match, acknowledging the disappointment of losing a chance at a trophy but also praising the performance of the team’s younger players against a physically demanding Athletic Bilbao side.
The game started unfavorably for Barcelona, conceding a goal in the very first minute. Gorka Guruzeta capitalized on a failed clearance by Barça and volleyed the ball into the net. However, Barcelona managed to equalize midway through the first half, benefiting from a stroke of luck when Robert Lewandowski’s charge down of Yuri Berchiche’s clearance resulted in an unintentional goal.
The highlight for Barcelona was a goal by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest scorer in the Copa del Rey this century. He skillfully navigated from the right wing to the edge of the area before unleashing a left-footed strike.
Athletic Bilbao restored parity after the break, with Oihan Sancet scoring off a Nico Williams cross. The remainder of the regulation time saw both teams creating but failing to capitalize on opportunities, pushing the match into extra time.
In extra time, Athletic Bilbao took control. Just before the end of the first half, Iñaki Williams initially hit the post but then scored from the rebound. Nico Williams then sealed the victory for Bilbao with a goal right before the final whistle.
In another surprising result, La Liga leaders Girona were knocked out by Mallorca in a 3-2 defeat. Despite their remarkable league performance, Girona’s hopes for a domestic double were dashed. Mallorca, significantly lower in the league standings, shocked Girona by establishing a 3-0 lead in the first half.
Girona attempted a comeback when Mallorca’s captain, Antonio Raíllo, was sent off, and Cristhian Stuani scored from the penalty spot. However, Mallorca, reduced to ten men, managed to hold off Girona’s advances. A late goal by Girona’s Brazilian forward Sávio in injury time brought the score to 3-2, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit, leaving Girona to concentrate solely on their league campaign.
The defeat for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey marks a significant setback in their season, especially following their recent loss in the Spanish Super Cup to fierce rivals Real Madrid. These consecutive cup exits underscore the challenges faced by Xavi in his managerial role at Barcelona. Despite the disappointment, there were some positives, notably the emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal, who demonstrated exceptional skill and composure, highlighting the depth and future potential within the squad.
For Athletic Bilbao, the victory represents a significant achievement, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen. The Williams brothers, particularly Iñaki, who showed remarkable dedication by playing immediately after his international duty, were pivotal in securing the win. Their performance underlined Bilbao’s ability to compete against top-tier teams, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force in Spanish football.
Meanwhile, Girona’s unexpected exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Mallorca adds another twist to their remarkable season. While their league form has been outstanding, this cup upset serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. Girona will now have to refocus their efforts on maintaining their league position, a task that will require resilience and consistency in the face of this setback.
Mallorca’s triumph over Girona, despite being considerably lower in the league standings, is a testament to the competitive spirit of the Copa del Rey. The victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue their campaign in La Liga, proving that they can hold their own against the league’s top teams.
Overall, these matches in the Copa del Rey have provided a thrilling spectacle, full of surprises and dramatic turns, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of Spanish football. As the tournament progresses, it continues to captivate fans with its unpredictable nature and the promise of more excitement to come.