Xavi’s FC Barcelona have crashed out of the Copa del Rey after an extraordinary game in Bilbao on Thursday night. The two sides that have lifted the trophy more than any others produced action and intensity from start to finish and although Athletic Club took the lead twice, FC Barcelona were able to find an answer each time.
Highlights | #AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/vAatch6bMi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2022
Ferran Torres’s first goal for the club failed to prevent a dramatic 3-2 defeat after extra-time against Athletic Club .
Athletic Club take the lead twice, Ferran Torres and Pedri produce equalisers, but a penalty in added time brings an end to this season’s cup journey.
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It had only taken Athletic a couple of minutes to get the first of those goals. Iker Muniain’s curled finish into the top right corner was anything but the start that Barca wanted but on twenty minutes the blaugrana were back level.
Iker Muniain with a beauty to give Athletic Club the lead on Barcelona 👏 pic.twitter.com/yXvGMPdwgY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
Ferran Torres’ first goal for his new club was almost identical replica of Munian’s effort in terms of the bending strike into the top corner, but the build-up was very different. Ferran’s fine conversion was the icing on the cake following a delightful series of no fewer than 22 quickfire passes involving nine different players.
Ferran Torres' first goal for Barcelona is an absolute GOLAZO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jBjPlq0ytn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
Nico Williams in particular was causing plenty of headaches and had the home side’s finishing been sharper or Ter Stegen’s goalkeeping a little bit blunter then San Mamés could easily have had something else to celebrate again before the break.
ATHLETIC CLUB SCORE IN THE 85TH MINUTE OVER BARCELONA 💥 pic.twitter.com/3OK8EWm709
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
The second half was more the kind of match we were expecting. Barca looked far more in control of the game and started creating more and more danger. That said, the Basque counter attack continued to be a constant threat.
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Dani Alves’ spectacular overhead shot/assist landed at the feet of Pedri and bang! 2-2, the Canary Islander’s first goal since returning from injury, and we were heading into overtime.
PEDRI EQUAZLIES AT THE DEATH 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/1PnqtwMqor
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
The home side took the lead for the third and final time when a handball by Jordi Alba was punished with a penalty.
ATHLETIC CLUB BACK IN THE LEAD 😤 pic.twitter.com/jvStqzKlEL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
Muniain converted and Athletic Club will be heading into the quarter finals.
Athletic Club defeat Barcelona to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey 👏 pic.twitter.com/5B4lXMTcM8
— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) January 20, 2022
Disappointment for Barca was compounded by the sight of a visibly upset Ansu Fati going off injured in the second half of normal time at San Mames.
Ansu Fati heads down the tunnel with an injury. pic.twitter.com/yhJ4yokXT2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 20, 2022
Fati only returned earlier this month after two months out with a hamstring problem, having also come back in September following 10 months out with a knee injury.
After the FC Barcelona coach Xavi said ,”congratulations to Athletic because they showed intensity is unbelievable “.
🎙 Xavi reacts to #AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/50BvW2P9u4
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2022
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Copa del Rey FC Barcelona Athletic Club Football Sports Kolkata
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