Athletic Bilbao knock out Barcelona of Copa del Rey

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Athletic Bilbao eliminates Barcelona from the Copa del Rey with a 4-2 victory in the quarter-final at San Mames.

Gorka Guruzeta provided Athletic Bilbao with an early lead in the first minute, but Barcelona turned the tide just past the half-hour mark with Robert Lewandowski equalizing and Lamine Yamal putting them ahead 2-1.

Bilbao managed to level the score in the 49th minute through Oihan Sancet. In extra time, Inaki Williams found the net, and Nico Williams sealed the victory in the final moments.

Despite dominating possession, Xavi’s Barcelona faced a potent Bilbao side that proved most threatening, tallying 27 shots on goal.

Lamine Yamal, at 16 years old and the youngest scorer in the competition, had a chance to secure Barcelona’s spot in the semi-finals but missed an open goal after getting past Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala.

The defeat results in both Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have claimed 10 of the last 15 Copa del Rey titles, being eliminated from the competition.