The road to the second final (I): UD Ibiza

After reaching the final of the previous year’s edition, Athletic Club received a bye and kicked off the Copa del Rey 2020-21 in the Round of 32. Their first opponents were Segunda División B side UD Ibiza. Despite the fact UD Ibiza were competing in a lower league, everyone at Athletic was well aware they would be no walkovers.

Marcelino made several changes after the Supercopa exploits of the weekend before. A disjointed Athletic fell behind early on, with Javi Pérez firing a powerful shot past Jokin Ezkieta in the 12th minute. A match that might have seemed easy turned into an difficult situation for the Lions, who went into the half-time break a goal down.

Raúl García and Iker Muniain came on for Oihan Sancet and Jon Morcillo, and the tide turned. The Rojiblancos looked more assured in possession and there was more flow in their game. In fact, the subs had a big impact. Muniain delivered the cross which Rulo sent to the back of the net in the 52nd minute.

Ibiza gave the Lions an almighty fright when Kike Lopez scored from a corner, only for it to be ruled out after the referee decided Sibo, who was in an offside position, had impeded Ezkieta’s vision. Just as the match seemed certain to go to extra-time, Iñigo Lekue swung in a cross from the right flank which Unai Nuñez tucked away. At the death, Athletic secured passage to the next round of the Copa.