In the Copa del Rey match against Barcelona, Inaki Williams swiftly returned from Africa and played a pivotal role in Athletic Bilbao’s 4-2 extra-time victory, securing their place in the semi-finals with a crucial goal.
On Monday, the Ghanaian striker represented his country before returning home to assist Athletic in defeating the Spanish champions and adding further strain on their coach, Xavi Hernandez. Athletic swiftly took the lead within the opening minute courtesy of Gorka Guruzeta, however, Barcelona managed to overturn the match with goals from Robert Lewandowski and the talented 16-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal.
Oihan Sancet scored early in the second half, leading the game into extra-time. He then assisted substitute Inaki Williams in giving the Basques the lead. Nico Williams, his brother, sealed the victory with a late goal, making it a fantastic night for the hosts and a disappointing one for Barca, despite their determined performance.
Xavi acknowledged the lack of concentration and individual errors that contributed to the loss. He recognized that mistakes are part of the game and emphasized that they are not downplaying their significance.
Despite the defeat, the coach remained calm and focused on bigger goals. He expressed determination to compete for the most important trophies, such as La Liga and the Champions League, just as they did in today’s match.
Following their recent defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Xavi acknowledged that Barcelona must secure a trophy this season. Despite being eight points behind the league leaders in La Liga, the team saw the Copa del Rey as a viable opportunity to claim silverware. However, they faced a formidable challenge in former Barca coach Ernesto Valverde and his Athletic side, who have won the cup 23 times and featured the talented Williams brothers. Valverde expressed his satisfaction with having Inaki on the team, as he is a player who consistently makes a significant impact and instills fear in their opponents. In a lively atmosphere at San Mames, Athletic quickly took the lead through Guruzeta, taking advantage of Barcelona’s disorganized defense. Barcelona has struggled with conceding early goals this season, although this was only the third fastest goal they have conceded. Despite facing adversity, Xavi’s team has displayed resilience and fought back in matches, as they did once again when defender Alejandro Balde was forced off the field due to a hamstring injury. Lewandowski managed to block Yuri Berchiche’s clearance and redirect it into the net, while Yamal showcased his speed and accuracy by cutting in from the right and scoring a powerful shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
During the first half, Julen Agirrezabala, the athletic goalkeeper, made a fantastic save to tip Ferran Torres’ strike narrowly wide. In the second half, his team managed to equalize early through Sancet’s header.
Guruzeta had a chance to put Los Leones ahead but unfortunately headed off-target, causing frustration for Inaki Williams on the sidelines.
The Ghana international, who rushed back from the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, soon joined the game.
Nico Williams, the creator of Sancet’s equalizer, came close to scoring with a shot that narrowly missed the post. The match continued to swing back and forth, with Yamal also missing a chance when through on goal.
With only five minutes remaining, the young player had an opportunity to secure the victory for Barcelona. He raced through, rounded the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, his shot went wide.
In extra time, Athletic managed to take the lead just before the interval. Inaki Williams tapped the ball home after his initial effort hit the post and came back to him.
Nico Williams sealed the game with a magnificent finish, capitalizing on his brother’s pass.
Athletic defender Dani Vivian praised Inaki, stating that he is a phenomenal player and a vital part of the team.
After the game, the Athletic players stood before their proud fans, exchanging applause in a mutual celebration.
Vivian added, “This is Athletic, from before we even got to the stadium, look at how they pushed us on.”
In another quarter-final clash, Real Mallorca secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Spanish league leaders Girona on Wednesday.
The last quarter-final match will be between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla on Thursday. Real Sociedad has already advanced to the next round after defeating Celta Vigo on Tuesday.