Athletic Club - Atlético de Madrid

An Athletic team from another galaxy, sensational, unstoppable, thrashed Atletico Madrid to qualify for the final in Seville where we will face RCD Mallorca.

A 3-0 win to add to the 1-0 scoreline from the first leg in an unforgettable semi-final.

Ernesto Valverde's side made their fans proud as Athleticzales now dream of winning the Copa for the first time in 40 years. It is a third final in five years for a generation that is dreaming big, and now has two potential routes into Europe: LaLiga and the Copa final.

Backed by 52,061 souls at an electric San Mames, Ernesto Valverde's Lions took to the pitch looking to win the match outright, laying to one side the fact they already had a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

A dazzling move by the Williams brothers set them on their way In the 12th minute  when Iñaki volleyed home Nico's cross. The Catedral was rocking. The Lion kept a sharp eye on the Colchoneros, but Angel Correa had the visitors' only major chance of the opening stages.

The chemistry between the Williams continued to flow and Nico had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 26th minute, but his shot went narrowly wide. It was a prelude to what was to come in the 42nd minute, when Iñaki again got the better of Mario Hermoso and teed up Nico to score with his left foot. Three goals up, but there was still the whole second half to play.

Diego Simeone's men simply could not cope with the Lions, who were relentless in chasing a third after the break. Nico and Oihan Sancet had chances before Gorka Guruzeta got it in the 60th minute, the striker jumping on a rebound after Jan Oblak fumbled a Sancet effort. The Athleticzales started to sing "we're going to Sevilla, olé!"

Athletic keeper Julen Agirrezabala had his moment too. The young shotstopper was superb as Atlético threw everything at the Zurigorri defence. The fact Julen didn't concede a single goal over both legs speak volumes about his talent.

The Cathedral went wild at the final whistle. Pure euphoria. Today it's time to unleash it, but also to contain it, because the decisive step still remains... winning the trophy on 6 April. 

This is a great Athletic side - and what a present for Jose Angel Iribar ahead of his 81st birthday this Friday!