
FC Barcelona exited the Copa del Rey in the quarter-finals after losing 4-2 to Athletic Bilbao after extra time (2-2 after 90 minutes). Two brothers scored decisive goals.
>> Season opener in La Liga, elimination in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup
FC Barcelona defeated in Copa del Rey quarter-finals – Inaki and Nico Williams, heroes of Athletic Bilbao
Bilbao opened the scoring with Guruzeta after just 36 seconds. Barcelona led at half-time after goals from Lewandowski (’26) and Yamal (’32), but the hosts scored again through Sancze (’49) and extra time was needed.
Brothers Inaki (representing Ghana) and Nico Williams (playing for Spain) scored at 105+2 and 120+1 minutes respectively.
Athletic Bilbao is the third team to reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after Real Sociedad (2-1 against Celta Vigo) and Mallorca (3-2 against Girona). Atletico and Sevilla will also meet in the quarter-finals (Thursday, from 22:00).
Brothers Nico and Ignacy Williams uD835uDDD5uD835uDDE2uD835uDDE7uD835uDDDB scored in extra time to knock Barcelona out of the Cup uD83CuDDEAuD83CuDDF8uD83EuDD1DuD83CuDDECuD83C uDDED pic.twitter.com/rrzQUMLnef
— 433 (@433) January 24, 2024
The result of the match Athletic Bilbao – Barcelona:
Xavi will leave Barcelona in the summer if the team does not rebuild
At the end of the game, manager Xavi announced that he would leave Barcelona at the end of the season if the team did not play at the desired level.
“We can be proud of the fact that we fought until the end. We played very well with our young players against a very good team. They are so good at home.
Athletic Bilbao are such a tight team, it was very difficult… Now we have to resume training and focus on La Liga and the Champions League.
If we are not at a competitive level at the end of the season… I will have to leave. I know where I am, it’s a top club. Here in Barcelona you have to win titles or you will be in danger. I am convinced that the project here has maximum potential with top young players” – Javi Hernandezcoach of Barcelona.
Xavi: “If we’re not at a competitive level at the end of the season… I’ll have to leave.”
“I know where I am, it’s a top club. Here at Barca, you have to win titles, otherwise you’re in danger.”
“I am convinced that this project has great potential with the best young players.” pic.twitter.com/vVySrdga0r
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2024
Source: Hot News

Ashley Bailey is a talented author and journalist known for her writing on trending topics. Currently working at 247 news reel, she brings readers fresh perspectives on current issues. With her well-researched and thought-provoking articles, she captures the zeitgeist and stays ahead of the latest trends. Ashley’s writing is a must-read for anyone interested in staying up-to-date with the latest developments.