Ourense CF - Athletic Club

A wonderful Mikel Jauregizar strike in the 105th minute, in the dying moments of the first half of extra time, sent Athletic Club through to the Copa del Rey last-16 after a tough battle at O Couto.

The midfielder pulled the Lions out of the mud and we're now through to the next round, where we'll face a second-division opponent. In January, the Zurigorri will travel to either Burgos, Santander, León, Albacete or A Coruña.

This round of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey has proved a dangerous hurdle for many top-flight teams, but Athletic managed to dodge a major bullet in Ourense.

The enthusiasm shown by the smaller teams often makes these Copa ties difficult, but the muddy pitch at O Couto, made worse by heavy rain, complicated matters even further for Athletic.

Ourense CF, this year's giant killers, were strong in the air and stood their ground well until the half-hour mark, when Urko Izeta's efforts began to cause concern. The forward had a goal disallowed and set up Gorka Guruzeta with a dangerous ball which the no.11 sent over the bar.

Athletic pressed hard in the second half. Guruzeta hit the crossbar with a header and Nico Williams forced the home goalkeeper to show his skills. At the other end, Padilla made one of his only saves of the evening to deny Yuste.

Jauregizar's blessed goal, coming from a set piece that Aitor Paredes nodded on, brought the home side to their knees. Guruzeta and Alex Berenguer then had the chance to make it 0-2, but it was no longer necessary. A case of job done for Athletic.