The “Magic” of Copa Del Rey continues as underdogs, Athletic Bilbao pulls off another upset as they knock out the league leaders, Real Madrid CF from the competition. It was a quarter-final match with only single-leg, making it a straight knock-out match.
The match was hosted on the home turf of Athletic Bilbao, the San Mamés Barria stadium. Being in the “Basque Region”, players and staff were expected to play under excruciating cold conditions.
With their recent success in the Spanish Super Copa Final against Bilbao, Los Blancos were expected to go through with ease but were surprised by Bilbao’s determined and revengeful squad who were aiming for a “redemption”.
Based on the statistics, the match wasn’t a “goals-galore” as Atheltic Bilbao won by 1 goal to 0. The goal was scored in the dying minutes by star winger, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro giving Bilbao a seat in the Semi-Final of the Copa Del Rey.
Match Review
Due to injury reasons, Real Madrid was missing their captain and star striker, Karim Benzema. Apart from this, Madrid started with a full-fit squad. Bilbao on the other hand came out will full force by playing their main squad.
The first half was rather stagnant with both teams trying to find their feet and get hold of the possession. “Bookings” were the only exciting thing in the first half as Madrid’s star midfielder, Toni Kroos was booked in the 24th Minute, and Athletic Club’s CDM, Dani Garica was booked in the 42nd minute.
The second half started with a bang as Bilbao’s striker, Raul Garica missed a delicious opportunity to score a simple header. Madrid kept struggling, managing only half-hearted chances. Bilbao managed another screaming opportunity at the 64th-minute mark as Munian failed to convert a deflected shot.
In the 89th minute, Bilbao finally got the reward for their amazing performance as Bilbao’s winger Alejandro Berenguer Remiro scored beautiful curling far post goal. This winds up the game as Athletic Bilbao pulls off a major surprise against the Los Blancos.
Curse of Copa Del Rey Continues
Real Madrid has always struggled in the Copa Del Rey winning 19 times as they stand third in the list of most Copa Del Rey titles, behind FC Barcelona (31 Titles) and Athletic Bilbao (23 Titles).
The last Copa Del Rey success for Real Madrid came back in the 2013-14 season when the squad was led by the famous “BBC” Trio comprising of Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo.
This misery continues as the Madrid Giants are knocked out of the competition.
Athletic Bilbao is pulling off a stunning performance, managing to knock out two Spanish giants, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona. With the competition wide open, Bilbao is eyeing for their 24th Copa Del Rey title.
