FC Barcelona, defending champion, was eliminated (2-3) Thursday in the round of 16 of the King’s Cup by Athletic Bilbao, after extra time. A meeting marked in particular by the first goal of Ferran Torres in the Catalan jersey, but also by the injury of Ansu Fati, who came out in tears shortly after entering the game (95th).
The Basques quickly took the lead in this match through their captain Iker Muniain, on a curled shot from the right (2nd). But the new recruit of Barça Ferran Torres concluded twenty minutes later a very nice collective action from Barcelona after a sequence of 22 consecutive passes.
Bilbao until the end of the suspense
Athletic Bilbao did not go far from validating their ticket for the quarterfinals at the end of regulation time. Striker Inaki Williams first touched the bar (85th) on a cross from the right side, before defender Inigo Martinez gave his team the advantage (88th) by pushing the ball into the empty net after a kick Franc de Muniain. Basque midfielder Alex Berenguer, who came on in place of Raul Garcia, thought he had made the break but his goal was disallowed for an offside position. In added time, young Barcelona midfielder Pedri, winner of the Kopa trophy, snatched extra time (93rd) thanks to a volley at the entrance to the area which deceived goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
Muniain above the lot
In extra time, Athletic captain Iker Muniain converted his penalty (105th), after a hand in the box from Jordi Alba, reported after the intervention of VAR. Author of a double, including the winning goal, he was the key to Basque success in this meeting by being decisive but above all inspired in attack throughout the match. He won 10 of his 17 duels, while finishing the game with 76% pass success. He was once again dominant against Barca, a side that he’s done rather well for him as he’s been involved in no less than eight goals against the Catalans in his career in all competitions.
