Athletic Club - FC Barcelona

Athletic Club want the Copa like nobody's business. They have been searching for their 25th trophy for decades now. There is no club that demands it more than they do, or that puts more effort into it.

With an exemplary philosophy and immeasurable football, Ernesto Valverde's Lions have reached a fifth semi-final in a row. And they did it with an unforgettable comeback.

Passion and hunger saw them come from 1-2 down to win 4-2, sending San Mames wild in the process.

In match full of difficulties which seemed eternal, the Lions knocked Barça out of the tournament for the third time in the past four years.

Athletic struck first, Gorka Guruzeta taking advantage of a goalmouth scramble to net within the first 37 seconds. The striker even had the chance to make it 2-0, shooting over the bar.

Robert Lewandoski scored a fortunate goal to level the scores, the Polish forward getting the luck off the bounce from a mistimed clearance.

Lamine Yamal, who went from hero to villain, made it 1-2 six minutes later with a trademark shot.

Athletic struggled but got back on their feet. Oihan Sancet could have equalised but was denied by Iñaki Peña's leg in the 42nd minute.

Unai Gomez replaced Mikel Vesga at half-time and Athletic were back on level footing three minutes later. Nico Williams whipped in a heavenly cross and Sancet nodded in.

Iñaki Williams, recently arrived from the Ivory Coast, came off the bench to rapturous applause. His contribution was decisive. But not before Lamine Yamal made red-and-white hearts flutter with a couple of close chances.

Nico nearly made it 3-2 with a right-footed shot before extra time, a miracle that it didn't go into the net.

Sancet missed after Unai Gómez launched a lightning counter-attack. Soon after the midfielder was replaced by his friend Mikel Jauregizar. Valverde showed no fear when it came to fielding youngsters. Beñat Prados also gave a masterclass in the middle of the park.

Athletic improved in extra time. They waited for their opening and found it in the 105th minute, Jauregizar robbed possession high up the pitch before connecting with Asier Villalibre, who found Iñaki. The striker had Athletic heads in their hands as his first shot hit the post, but he followed it up to put Los Leones 3-2 ahead.

Peña made a point-blank save from Iñaki and the magic moment came in the 120th minute. Instead of retreating into their own box, Athletic pushed forward and Nico scored a sensational goal with the outside of his boot. A 4-2 win over the reigning LaLiga champions.

The Lions will find out their semi-final opponents on Friday. They will face Mallorca, Real Sociedad or the winner of Atlético vs Sevilla in a two-legged tie.

With fortress San Mamés and almost 51,000 spectators cheering their hearts out, Athletic will be looking for a place in the final.