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

Secured their presence in the next round of the Copa del Rey, but did so with much suffering against Cultural Leonesa, a team from the Spanish second division. The 4-3 victory, only confirmed after extra time, revealed several weaknesses in the Basque team, something that Sporting - which received a significant 'reinforcement' before the Friday duel - will certainly analyze carefully, considering the European clash scheduled for the end of the month.

The match began at a frantic pace and the first half was a true goal festival. Calero put the home team ahead at 16 minutes, but Guruzeta responded at 26’. Leonesa's lead was short-lived, with Calero scoring again shortly after. Nevertheless, Guruzeta equalized again at 38’, keeping the game completely open.

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

The second half was much more contained but no less tense. At 56’, Paredes was sent off with a straight red card, leaving Athletic Bilbao outnumbered for over half an hour. In extra time, Yayo González found the net at 95’, but the goal was disallowed. Shortly after, Unai Gómez converted the third penalty of the game and secured the Basques' qualification. The Portuguese Tomás Ribeiro came on at 106’, but could not change the outcome.

It should be noted that Athletic Bilbao faces 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 8:00 PM.

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