Cup exit for record winners
Two brothers make FC Barcelona suffer
January 25, 2024, 12:44 a.m
FC Barcelona failed in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup because a pair of brothers decided the game for outsiders Bilbao. The big favorite had previously countered a lightning deficit. However, it was of no use.
Two brothers knocked record winners FC Barcelona out of the Spanish Football Cup and shot Athletic Bilbao into the semi-finals. With national team captain Ilkay Gündogan and former Bundesliga record scorer Robert Lewandowski in the starting line-up, the Catalans lost 4-2 away after extra time in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Bilbao’s two goals in extra time were scored by Inaki Williams after a counterattack (105th + 2 minutes) and his younger brother Nico Williams seconds before the final whistle. It is the third time in the last five years that FC Barcelona lost the cup to Athletic Bilbao.
Lewandowski (26th minute) and Lamine Yamal (32nd) had turned around the early deficit after just 39 seconds by Gorka Guruzeta before the break. Sancet made it 2-2 shortly after half-time (49′). “It was sad to lose the game and be eliminated from the cup. We wanted to fight for the title. But we fought,” said Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo after the disappointment. “We had a lot of struggling players and young people who showed character, but we lacked intelligence when we conceded a goal in the last minute.”
The first chance for the title is now gone for FC Barcelona. In the league, the gap to big rivals Real Madrid is already seven points, surprise league leaders FC Girona are already eight points ahead, but have already played one game more.
Previously, RCD Mallorca surprisingly beat league leaders FC Girona by winning 3-2 at home despite being outnumbered for more than 30 minutes and also qualified for the semi-finals. Cyle Larin (21′) and Abdon with a brace (28’/35’/penalty) had given the hosts a clear lead within 14 minutes. The goals from Cristhian Stuani (68th/penalty) and Savio (90th+6) came too late. Mallorca professional Raillo was shown the red card in the 67th minute.
Last Tuesday, Real Sociedad San Sebastian was the first team to reach the semi-finals with a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo. The fourth and final semi-finalists will be determined on Thursday (9 p.m.) by Atletico Madrid and Sevilla FC. Cup defender Real Madrid failed in the round of 16 against local rivals Atletico.