The road to the first final (V): FC Barcelona
The road to the first final (V): FC Barcelona
Just as extra-time seemed a certainty, Williams popped up in the 93rd minute to secure the Lions’ place in the semi-finals
Athletic Club arrived to quarter-finals after defeating CD Tenerife on penalties in the previous round. The Lions were now back at San Mamés for the first time on this particular Copa run and they were facing none other than 30-time winners FC Barcelona. Copa fixtures don’t come much harder, but thanks to the support of a cauldron-like Cathedral, Athletic found a way through to the semi-finals.
The Catalans were constantly on the attack and had the clearest chances of the match. In the first half, Unai Nuñez blocked an Ansu Fati shot on the line. As well as that, Unai Simón was unbeatable in goal, making several top saves, including denying Antoine Griezmann in a one-on-one situation.
The Lions resisted and fought hard all night, and it seemed they would be heading to extra-time for a third consecutive Copa match. But, just as the full-time whistle was about to be blown, Ibai Gómez received the ball on the right flank, cut inside and sent in a left-footed cross, Iñaki Williams got just enough head on it to nudge it past Andre Ter Stegen. San Mamés exploded and Athletic moved on to the semi-finals. It was a historic moment on a night which will live on in the memories of all Athletic fans forever.