Barcelona was eliminated from the Copa del Rey after losing 4-2 away to Athletic Bilbao in an exciting quarter-final match last night, with brothers Inaki and Nico Williams scoring two goals in extra time. The hosts took an early lead with a goal from Gorka Guruzeta in the first minute of the match, but Barcelona responded with two goals from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in the 27th and 32nd minutes.
Thanks to a goal from Oihan Sancet in the 49th minute, the match went to extra time, during which Bilbao converted their advantage into goals. Inaki Williams scored for his team from a rebound in the second minute of extra time, before Nico Williams added the second goal in the final minute.
Inaki Williams returned to Spain just hours before the match after participating with his national team, Ghana, in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He stated in interviews with Spanish television, "This is better than happening in the most beautiful dreams," and added, "Everything went well today. Yesterday, I couldn't imagine myself here after a strong setback (Ghana being eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations); I must thank the club for helping me to get here as quickly as possible and the fans for welcoming me this way."
Bilbao joins Real Sociedad, Real Mallorca, and the winner of today’s match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Real Sociedad won 2-1 against Celta Vigo at their home ground last Tuesday, while Mallorca defeated La Liga leaders Girona 3-2 on Wednesday.
Barcelona currently occupies third place in La Liga with 44 points, trailing eight points behind leaders Girona and seven points behind their arch-rivals Real Madrid in second place.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said in televised remarks, "I am calm... the competition for the most important titles continues," referring to La Liga and the Champions League, where his team will face Italian club Napoli in the Round of 16. He added, "We tried, and I believe we competed well against a team that is very strong at home. I said during the draw that we were unlucky... We did our best and are proud of that."
