Athletic Bilbao edge through in Copa del Rey before facing Sporting | OneFootball

Athletic Bilbao secured their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey, but did so with great difficulty against Cultural Leonesa, a team from the Spanish second division. The 4-3 victory, only confirmed after extra time, exposed several weaknesses in the Basque team, something that Sporting - who received a major ‘reinforcement’ ahead of Friday’s clash - will certainly analyze closely, considering the European match scheduled for the end of the month.

The match started at a frantic pace and the first half was a true goal fest. Calero put the home team ahead in the 16th minute, but Guruzeta responded in the 26th. Leonesa’s lead didn’t last long, with Calero scoring again shortly after. Still, Guruzeta equalized again in the 38th minute, keeping the game wide open.

Before halftime, the excitement ramped up even more. Sobrino scored from the penalty spot in the 41st minute and, already in stoppage time, Sancet also successfully converted from the spot, setting the score at 3-3 at the break. A chaotic first half, with exposed defenses and constant changes on the scoreboard.

The second half was much more contained, but no less tense. In the 56th minute, Paredes was sent off with a straight red card, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a numerical disadvantage for over half an hour. In extra time, Yayo González even found the net in the 95th minute, but the goal was disallowed. Soon after, Unai Gómez converted the third penalty of the match and secured the Basques’ qualification. The Portuguese player Tomás Ribeiro came on in the 106th minute, but was unable to change the outcome.

It’s worth remembering that Athletic Bilbao will face Sporting this month, hosting the green and white team in a match valid for the 8th and final round of the Champions League group stage, scheduled for the 28th with kickoff at 20:00.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.