Athletic Club 4-2 FC Barcelona: Knocked out in extra time
FC Barcelona had been knocked out of the Copa del Rey at San Mamés twice in recent years, and in 2023-24, it has happened again. Athletic Club defeated the Catalans 4-2 after extra time, and it is they who will go into Friday’s semi-final draw, while Xavi and his men will now have to pick themselves after this disappointment and concentrate on the two major trophies that they still have in their sights.
On an eventful evening in Bilbao, Barça managed to find their way back into the game after going behind almost straight from the kick-off. A somewhat fortuitous goal from Robert Lewandowski was almost immediately followed by a fantastic effort from Lamine Yamal, who in doing so became the youngest player ever to score in the competition.
But the home side had not had their final say. An equaliser sent the game into extra time, and they raised their game in the added period, with the Williams brothers scoring a goal each to put an end to Barça’s hopes of winning the coveted trophy for the 32nd time.
Another early setback
It wasn’t the first time this season that Barça have conceded in the very first minute. The defence was caught somewhat unawares by the immediate surge of red and white shirts, and following a chaotic mixture of errors and bad luck, the ball eventually fell to Gorka Guruzeta and the Catalans were playing catch-up after just 38 seconds.
With the additional setback of losing Alejandro Balde to injury, replaced by young Hector Fort, Barça gradually worked their way back into the game and eventually equalised in the 26th minute.
Six-minute comeback
There was some fortune involved as Yuri Berchiche blocked a brilliant chance for Pedri before kicking the ball straight at Lewandowski’s foot, whereupon the ball bounded straight back into the Athletic net! Not the prettiest goal the Pole has scored, but a centre forward’s job is all about being in the right place at the right time, and that’s precisely where he was.
Barça were back in the game, and six minutes later they were ahead. Young Lamine Yamal shimmied his way from the wing to the edge of the home area until he’d picked his spot and whoosh… A gorgeous left-footer swung its way into the bottom corner and that was 2-1 to Barça.
At this stage, things were looking fantastic. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to last.
Into extra time
Athletic raised their game after going behind, and three minutes into the second half they were back level. Nico Williams’ cross, Oihan Sancet’s header, and we were all square again.
Lamine Yamal had two fabulous chances to score his second goal of the night, and he’ll be especially annoyed with himself for firing a simple shot wide with just five minutes of regulation time to go.
But other than that, the big moments were all at the other end of the pitch, where the Athletic forwards were giving the Barça defence all kinds of things to think about.
But they couldn’t find the net either, and following two exhilarating halves of football, San Mamés was going to get 30 minutes more.
Out of the cup
In extra time, Athletic continued to create the most danger, and they eventually won back the lead that they had lost earlier. Iñaki Williams, fresh back from the Ivory Coast and a disappointing showing by Ghana at the Afcon, hit the post with his original shot, but converted the rebound.
Barça had 15 minutes to bring the Copa del Rey dream back to life. But the response didn’t come. Athletic really wanted this and still had kind of the energy that looked to be waning in the Barça camp.
Practically on the stroke of the final whistle, the other Williams brother, Nico, drove a shot past Iñaki Pena and that was 4-2 and Athletic were on their way to the semi-finals.
For Barça, La Liga and the Champions League are still on the cards, but as far as the Copa del Rey is concerned, it’s all over.