Jan 24, 2024 at 9:32 PM Update: 9 hours ago
FC Barcelona was surprisingly eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. The Catalans lost 4-2 at Athletic Club after extra time. The curtain also fell for Daley Blind’s Girona.
FC Barcelona fell behind Athletic Club after just one minute. Gorka Guruzeta shot from close range from a free-standing position.
Before half time, Barcelona reversed the deficit in just six minutes. Robert Lewandowski scored the equalizer when he was given the ball by Athletic defender Yuri Berchiche. Lamine Yamal made it 1-2 moments later with a long shot.
Early in the second half, Athletic leveled through Oihan Sancet, who headed home from close range. After that, there were no more goals in regular playing time, which meant extra time had to be played.
Iñaki Williams made it 3-2. The Ghanaian, who played for his country in the African Cup of Nations four days ago, completed a nice attack by Athletic. In the final minute, Nico Williams, Iñaki’s brother, made the decision. Frenkie de Jong played the entire match for Barcelona.
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Summary: Athletic ends Barcelona’s cup dream in quarter-finals (4-2)
Blind and Girona are surprised
Earlier in the day, Girona lost 3-2 at Real Mallorca. Blind’s team was already 3-0 behind at halftime. In the 21st minute, Cyle Larin opened the scoring with a tap-in. Seven minutes later, Abdón Prats doubled the lead with a brilliant long-range shot. Another seven minutes later, Prats used a penalty.
More than twenty minutes before the end, Mallorca found itself with ten men due to two yellow cards for Antonio Raíllo within a minute. Raíllo also caused a penalty, which was converted by Cristhian Stuani.
Deep into injury time, former PSV player Sávio scored the tying goal, but Girona was unable to force extra time. Blind played the entire match for the visitors.
Girona is having a very strong season. The Catalans are at the top in La Liga, although number two Real Madrid has played one match less. The difference between Girona and Real is one point.
Real Sociedad already qualified for the semi-finals of the Spanish cup tournament on Tuesday. The fourth quarter-final between Atlético Madrid and Sevilla takes place on Thursday.
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