Athletic pass tough test at Las Llanas

Athletic Club treasure the Copa. We want it. We have been longing for it for years. It is our tournament. And we know that on nights like this at Las Llanas you have to be on top of your game, otherwise you will fall by the wayside.

Aitor Calle has built is a dangerous opponent at Sestao River, they are a solid team with no complexes. Athletic had to be patient and take advantage of their opportunities to overcame a motivated and disciplined outift.

As so often is the case on these kinds of evenings, the game was decided via a set-piece. Oier Zarraga delivered a great cross into the box via a free-kick and Raúl García put it away at the back post with an acrobatic finish.

It was a pure Copa night. Las Llanas was packed to the rafters, the turf turned muddy by the rain and Sestao River came out ready to cause an upset. They almost took the lead when on-loan Athletic player Kepa Uriarte set up Aritz Huete to test Julen Agirrezabala.

Under heavy pressure from the hosts, Athletic resorted to playing long balls but it was not effective. Gorka Guruzeta picked up an ankle injury after a tackle and had to make way for Iñaki Williams.

The all-important moment came in the 32nd minute. Calle was left to rue as all Sestao's hard work went to waste at a single-set piece, a facet in which Athletic are once again thriving.

In the second half, River threatened via striker Leandro Martínez. Los Rojiblancos almost made it 0-2 via Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams, but Iván Crespo kept them out.

Athletic went up a gear and it looked like scoring when the Williams brothers almost connected. Credit must go to Sestao River, who showed much pride and pushed Athletic all the way.

There were most certainly a collective sigh of relief among Athleticzales when the final whistle went. A fitting tribute to these nights and the beauty of the Copa.