Did Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad Make It to Copa Semifinals After Their Away Victories?
Synopsis
Athletic Bilbao secured a thrilling spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals with a late goal by Inaki Williams against Valencia. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad also advanced after a fiercely contested match against Alaves. Discover how these teams showcased their determination in the tournament!
Key Takeaways
Inaki Williams scored a crucial late goal for Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao overcame a mistake by their goalkeeper to secure victory.
Real Sociedad displayed resilience in their match against Alaves.
Copa del Rey continues to showcase thrilling football.
Upcoming semifinal matches promise more excitement.
Valencia, Feb 5 (NationPress) Inaki Williams clinched a dramatic victory with a 96th-minute goal, leading Athletic Bilbao to a 2-1 triumph over Valencia and securing their spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Coming off the bench, he converted a volley from a cross delivered by his brother Nico at a moment when extra time seemed inevitable, as reported by Xinhua.
Despite making 10 changes to the lineup after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday, Athletic surged ahead in the 27th minute when Umar Sadiq inadvertently flicked Robert Navarro's free kick into his own goal.
The frustration among Valencia supporters grew when a blunder by Athletic's goalkeeper, Alex Padilla, allowed Sadiq to equalize by tapping in the loose ball.
Though Athletic dominated the second half, a missed penalty from Mikel Jaureguizar, saved by Stole Dimitrievski, hinted that the match might extend into extra time until the Williams brothers collaborated for the winning goal.
“This team always exudes spirit, and we must maintain that. Achieving the semi-finals, which Athletic has done frequently, is a significant accomplishment for us, and we hope it brings joy to our supporters,” stated coach Ernesto Valverde.
In another quarterfinal match, Alaves took an early lead against Real Sociedad with a goal from Abde Rebbach. However, Mikel Oyarzabal quickly equalized for Sociedad.
After Toni Martinez converted a penalty for Alaves, Turrientes redeemed himself by assisting Goncalo Guedes to level the score. Orri Oskarsson then scored the decisive goal for Alaves with just seven minutes remaining.
On Tuesday, FC Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over second-tier Albacete, while Real Betis is scheduled to face Atletico Madrid on Thursday, ahead of the semifinal draw on Friday.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the competitive spirit displayed by Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey. Their performances not only reflect their resilience but also the rich tradition of Spanish football, captivating fans and drawing attention to their promising futures in the tournament.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams reached the Copa del Rey semifinals?
Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad both advanced to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey following their respective victories.
Who scored the winning goal for Athletic Bilbao?
Inaki Williams scored the dramatic 96th-minute winner for Athletic Bilbao against Valencia.
How did Real Sociedad perform in their quarterfinal match?
Real Sociedad faced Alaves, overcoming a challenging match to secure their spot in the semifinals.
What was the final score of the Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia match?
The final score was Athletic Bilbao 2, Valencia 1.
When is the Copa del Rey semifinal draw scheduled?
The semifinal draw for the Copa del Rey is scheduled for Friday.
