Iñaki Williams Sends Athletic to Copa del Rey Semifinals

MADRID — Iñaki Williams scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal as Athletic Bilbao edged Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday, securing their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Real Sociedad also advanced to the final four, defeating Alaves 3-2 in a similarly tight contest.

Williams’ 96th-minute strike, a left-footed shot from the middle of the area following a breakaway and cross from his brother Nico Williams, proved to be the decisive moment at Mestalla. The victory sends Athletic into the semifinals for the sixth time in seven seasons, continuing a strong tradition in the competition. They previously lifted the Copa del Rey title in 2024 and were runners-up in 2020-21 and 2019-20.

The match wasn’t without its early drama. Athletic took the lead in the 26th minute through an own-goal by Valencia’s Umar Sadiq. However, Sadiq quickly redeemed himself, equalizing for the hosts in the 35th minute. Athletic had a chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, but Mikel Jauregizar’s attempt was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

The atmosphere surrounding the match was tense even before kickoff, with reports in Spanish media indicating that objects were thrown at the bus carrying Athletic’s players. In Bilbao, a mural depicting Iñaki and Nico Williams had recently been vandalized, reflecting some fan criticism of the brothers.

Real Sociedad’s path to the semifinals was equally hard-fought. They overcame Alaves 3-2, with young Iceland forward Orri Oskarsson scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute. Sociedad will be competing in the semifinals for the third consecutive season, having last won the competition in 2019-20.

Alaves had taken the lead early through Abde Rebbach in the eighth minute, but Sociedad quickly responded with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 15th. Alaves regained the advantage with a penalty converted by Toni Martínez in the 29th minute, only for Gonçalo Guedes to level the score again in the 76th. Martínez also missed a penalty in the 67th minute, adding to the drama of the match.

Sociedad’s triumph continues their unbeaten run since a 2-1 loss to Girona in December. The team demonstrated resilience and a knack for finding goals in crucial moments, characteristics that have defined their recent success in the Copa del Rey.

The lineups for both matches reflected the importance placed on the competition by both clubs. Valencia fielded Dimitrievski, Copete, Cömert, Vázquez, Foulquier, Rioja, Pepelu, Ugrinic, Danjuma, Beltrán, and Sadiq. Athletic responded with Padilla, Lekue, Monreal, Laporte, Gorosabel, Sánchez, Vesga, Serrano, Jauregizar, Navarro, and Izeta. Both managers made substitutions throughout the second half in an attempt to influence the outcome.

The Copa del Rey semifinals are now set, with Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad joining Barcelona in the final four. The competition continues to provide thrilling moments and unexpected twists, showcasing the passion and intensity of Spanish football. The draw for the semifinals has not yet been determined.

For Athletic Bilbao, this victory represents more than just a place in the semifinals. It’s a testament to their consistent performance in the Copa del Rey and a potential opportunity to add another trophy to their cabinet. The Williams brothers, in particular, played a pivotal role in securing the win, with Iñaki’s late goal proving to be the difference.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their recent form and make a deep run in the competition. Their ability to overcome adversity and find goals in key moments will be crucial as they face tough opposition in the semifinals.