The road to the first final (VI): Granada CF (1st leg)

Due to the Copa del Rey’s new format, this was the first and only two-legged tie of the competition for Athletic Club. It was the semi-final, Athletic were now within touching distance of the final and San Mamés was out in full force for the first-leg fixture against Granada CF.

Just one week earlier the Lions had managed a last-gasp victory over FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals, and the atmosphere in Bilbao was impressive, with a feeling in the air that something special was about to occur.

The Rojiblancos dominated from the get-go. Gaizka Garitano’s side were in complete control and the Andalusians could do little more than defend their own lines. Iker Muniain put Athletic ahead with a simple tap-in just before half-time thanks to an assist by Iñaki Williams.

The Lions could have gone to Granada and the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes with an even bigger lead, but the referee ruled out an Ander Capa goal after deciding Williams was offside in the build-up. It was controversial. But nonetheless, Athletic prevailed and awaited the mother of all battles in Granada. A place in the final was at stake.