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Athletic through to Round of 16 after late goal

Athletic through to Round of 16 after late goal

The lions fightback to win 1-2 thanks injury-time Nuñez goal

Athletic Club have moved onto the Copa del Rey round of 16 after defeating UD Ibiza 1-2. It took a second-half comeback, with goals by Raúl García and Unai Nuñez.

The centre-back popped up to score the winner in injury-time when the match seemed destined to go to extra-time.

It was a tough match, against a spirited opponent, but the lions managed to squeeze through to the next round.

Marcelino made several changes to the starting line-up after last week’s Super Cup campaign. The conditions were tough with a strong wind at Can Misses. 

UD Ibiza took advantage of a gap in Athletic’s defence to take the lead in the 11th minute, with Javi Pérez smashing the ball into the back of the net from outside the box.

The hard-working Ibiza side had no chinks in their armour and Athletic had few chances in the first half.

Oihan Sancet and Asier Villalibre linked up well at one point but the striker couldn’t get a shot away. Mikel Vesga fired a powerful long-range effort inches wide of the post and Iñigo Lekue made a good run into the box which ended up with Jon Morcillo shooting wide.

At the break, Marcelino brought on captain Iker Muniain and Raúl García as the lions set about staging a comeback. In the 52nd minute the two combined to grab Athletic’s equaliser.

Forward Raúl met Muniain’s corner at the back post with a big header.

Athletic began to take control of the clash. From the edge of the box, Muniain hit a free-kick over the bar.

Nonetheless, Ibiza continued to threaten. Kike López hit the back of the net from a well-worked corner, but his goal was ruled out after Siba was judged to be in an offside position.

In the 73rd minute, Iñaki Williams, just off the bench, hit the side netting. Jokin Ezkieta, taking Unai Simón‘s place in goal, was alert enough to make a great save to deny former Amorebieta player Ekain.

UD Ibiza kept pushing but Athletic got the winning goal in the 91st minute. Nuñez found space to finish from Lekue’s cross and send Athletic through to the next round.