Athletic Club - FC Barcelona

Athletic Club have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa after defeating FC Barcelona 3-2 in extra time in a San Mamés classic.

A penalty from Iker Muniain in the last minute of the first half of extra time made the difference on the night. The Lions were the far better side on the night and San Mamés sent them off with a standing ovation.

Marcelino’s side played a massive game, which they should really have tied up before the full-time whistle. A 92nd-minute goal by Pedri took the game to extra-time. just when Athletic thought the match was sealed after Iñigo Martínez‘s strike four minutes from time.

However, Muniain, who was fantastic all night, stepped up to convert a spot-kick given after VAR spotted a Jordi Alba handball from Nico Williams‘ cross.

Athletic took the lead in the second minute, Nico driving into the box before playing the ball across goal for Iker Muniain, who subsequently curled it in the top corner beyoned Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Despite the Lions’ domination, Barcelona equalised in the 20th minute, Ferran Torres firing past Julen Agirrezabala with an incredible strike.

Athletic had a succession of chances to regain the lead before the break. First Oscar de Marcos shot wide with a left-footed effort. Then Muniain headed over after connecting with a Nico Williams cross.

The winger also went close but Ter Stegen managed to turn it wide with a low dive. The clearest of all came on the stroke of half-time, Raúl García forcing the German goalkeeper into an excellent save.

Oihan Sancet picked up an injury shortly after the restart and was replaced by Iñaki Williams. The Lions never took their foot off the pedal. There were a couple of chances for the Williams brothers. Nico had a low shot saved, while Iñaki hit the woodwork from distance.

Athletic’s second was a long time coming, but it did come in the 86th minute. Iñigo Martinez was in the right place at the right time to poke home after a goalmouth scramble.

It seemed as though the win was in the bag for Los Rojiblancos. Alex Berenguer had a goal disallowed for offside. But in the depths of injury-time, Pedri struck to send the match into the dreaded extra-time.

Athletic never lost their heads. They fought tooth and nail for every ball throughout the entire 120 minutes. Central midfielders Dani García and Mikel Vesga were particularly impressive, bossing Barça youngsters around in the middle of the park.

After Muniain’s penalty, Athletic managed the game superbly, never letting Barça gather steam. When the referee blew the final whistle, San Mamés went wild.