The elimination of Ghana in the first round of CAN at least brought joy to Athletic Bilbao and its supporters: just forty-eight hours after the departure of the Black Stars, Mozambique (2-2), hosted by Inaki Williams on Monday evening, scored a goal against FC Barcelona led by Ernesto Valverde. His younger brother Nico firmly sealed qualification for the Basques (120th + 1) before sending the under team to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The striker, who came on at the hour mark (59th), made the difference in two stages before half-time of extra time (105th+2) when the score was leveled at 2-2 from the 49th minute and Oihan Sunset equalized.
The start of the first period was already in favor of the Basques, who were ahead from the first minute through a goal from Gorka Guruzeta. But a gag goal – Robert Lewandowski pulled Barca back into the match by scoring after ex-Parisian Yuri Berchich’s (26th) missed clearance, before the brilliance of youngster Lamin Yamal (16) forced them to chase down the score. Each team then had its highlights – and situations to gain the upper hand – but with Yamal for Barca (65th, 86th) and Gurutza for Bilbao (56th), both teams competed impeccably.
The difference was finally made during overtime with the Williams brothers as heroes in simmering san memes. Athletic Bilbao joins Mallorca, which beat Girona a little earlier (3-2), and Real Sociedad, the day before on the pitch of Celta Vigo (2-1), winners of the last four. The last place will be awarded this Thursday during the opposition between Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla FC.
