Mueez Ajao
– Alex Berenguer scored a late winner for Athletic Bilbao to claim a famous 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
– Substitute Berenguer curled a left-footed shot past Thibaut Courtois in the 89th minute at San Mames to finally provide reward for Athletic, who had dominated the match without being able to make an breakthrough.
– Madrid’s best chance fell to Casemiro, whose low second-half shot was saved by keeper Julen Agirrezabala.
Also Read: Sorry Madrid! Hamstring injury knocks Benzema out of Copa match against Bilbao
– Madrid went into the tie missing injured top scorer Karim Benzema and without a recognised left-back, with Ferland Mendy, Marcelo and Miguel Gutierrez all absent. Carlo Ancelotti opted for David Alaba on the left, and picked a front three of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Marco Asensio.
-The team’s bus was met by a hostile reception on its way into the stadium, with bottles being thrown, smashing one of the bus windows; Athletic later apologised for the incident.
– Athletic started well, as Courtois saved two-handed from Dani Garcia’s powerful long-range shot. Iker Muniain fired into the side netting after beating Casemiro inside the box, and a last-ditch challenge from Eder Militao was needed to prevent Nico Williams getting in on goal.
– Muniain shot off target, and Lucas Vazquez blocked Inaki Williams’ goalbound effort, as Athletic’s control of the game continued before half-time.
– The second half began with more of the same; Inigo Martinez heading Muniain’s free kick inches wide, before Raul Garcia failed to divert another Muniain delivery towards goal.
– Ancelotti introduced Isco for a tired-looking Vinicius, who started for Brazil against Paraguay on Tuesday, but Madrid’s best chance fell to Casemiro, denied by Agirrezabala.
– With seconds remaining in normal time, substitute Berenguer stepped inside Nacho before shooting past Courtois to see Athletic into the semi finals.
– Athletic will join Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Real Betis in Friday’s semifinal draw.
