Inaki WIlliams gets last-gasp goal in Valencia to send Athletic Club into Copa del Rey semis

Iñaki Williams Gets Last-Gasp Goal in Valencia to Send Athletic Club into Copa del Rey Semis

The tension was suffocating. The air at the Mestalla was thick with the scent of high-stakes football and historical rivalry. For 90 minutes, it looked destined for extra time—a brutal, draining 30 minutes that neither Athletic Club nor Valencia CF truly wanted in this unforgiving Copa del Rey quarter-final tie.

Then, in the final breaths of normal time, fate intervened. And fate wore the white and red of Bilbao. Iñaki Williams, the man of ceaseless running and relentless commitment, delivered the knockout blow, silencing the massive home crowd and detonating scenes of pure delirium in the Athletic away end.

A simple yet devastatingly effective counter-attack, executed with surgical precision, saw Williams convert the **late winner**, securing a narrow but deserved victory. Athletic Club are marching on. The semi-finals beckon, and once again, the dream of lifting the prestigious Copa trophy—a dream constantly renewed in the Basque Country—is thrillingly alive.

This single goal was not just a winner; it was a statement. It cemented Iñaki Williams' status as the ultimate clutch player and underscored Athletic's unwavering commitment under manager Ernesto Valverde to secure silverware this season.

The Dramatic Showdown at Mestalla: A Quarter-Final War of Attrition

Quarter-final ties in the Copa del Rey rarely disappoint, especially when historical rivals clash. The battle between Valencia and **Athletic Bilbao** carried significant weight. Both clubs view this competition as a crucial pathway to European qualification and a vital source of historical pride.

From the first whistle, the match was characterized by defensive solidity and midfield combat. Valencia, playing in front of their fervent support, were disciplined. They prioritized frustrating Athletic's high press, resulting in a game of few clear-cut chances during the opening hour.

Athletic, anchored by the reliable defensive organization of Dani Vivian and Yeray Álvarez, controlled possession but struggled to unlock the robust Valencia backline. The midfield battle, featuring key duels involving Mikel Vesga and Oihan Sancet, was relentless.

The tactical setup deployed by Valverde leaned heavily on width, utilizing Nico Williams on the left flank to stretch the defense. However, every time Athletic seemed to gain momentum, the home side managed to pull back and stifle the rhythm.

The clock ticked mercilessly. With 15 minutes left, the anxiety was palpable. The broadcast focused heavily on the coaches—Gennaro Gattuso for Valencia and Valverde for Athletic—both visibly stressed as they adjusted their tactical blueprints, hoping for a moment of inspiration.

Substitutions were key. Valverde introduced fresh legs to inject pace, knowing that a fatigued Valencia defense might crack under late pressure. This proved to be a masterstroke, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.

The atmosphere at **Mestalla** shifted from noisy expectation to nervous tension. Every throw-in and corner kick felt like a potential turning point. The players knew the importance of avoiding the lottery of penalties or the physical drain of **extra time drama**.

Valencia nearly found a breakthrough through a rapid counter, but Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala made a critical save, keeping the score level and ensuring the foundation for Williams' heroics remained in place.

Iñaki Williams: The Clinician Under Pressure

The 93rd minute. The referee was already looking at his watch. This was it. The moment that defines cup football. A turnover deep in Athletic's half saw the ball quickly moved forward.

The sequence was lightning fast. A perfect through ball split the tired Valencia center-backs. Who else but Iñaki Williams, utilizing his blistering pace, was already making the run?

He carried the ball for several yards, facing the onrushing goalkeeper. Time seemed to slow down. Williams, known for his ability to handle monumental pressure, didn't rush. He took one final, decisive touch.

The finish was **clinical**. A low drive, angled perfectly past the outstretched hands of the keeper and into the bottom corner of the net. The sound of the ball hitting the mesh was instantly swallowed by the roar of the visiting fans and the shocked silence of the majority inside the stadium.

It was a goal borne of fitness, mental fortitude, and sheer quality. Iñaki Williams has carried the mantle of being Athletic's primary goal threat for years, and in the highest pressure situation, he delivered. This goal showcased everything that makes him invaluable to the Basque side:

• Unmatched Stamina: Still running at full speed in the dying seconds.
• Decisive Movement: Timing his run to perfection to beat the offside trap.
• Composure: Maintaining focus under the glare of the goal-scoring opportunity.

His celebration told the story of relief, passion, and the collective desire of the entire club. Surrounded instantly by his teammates, including his younger brother, Nico Williams, the image of their joint celebration will be instantly iconic for the Athletic faithful.

The goal not only sealed the win but also offered a psychological advantage. Winning tight, high-stakes matches in such dramatic fashion fuels belief. It tells the team they can win ugly, and they can win when everything is on the line.

For Athletic Club, this goal represents the tangible reward for their consistent investment in their unique 'Cantera' policy, proving that homegrown talent can still achieve glory against financially powerful opposition.

What This Means for Athletic Club's European Dreams

The final whistle blew seconds after the restart, confirming Athletic's passage. They are now just two games away from another major final appearance. The implications of this victory extend far beyond a single night of drama.

Historically, the **Copa del Rey** holds immense significance for Athletic. They are second only to Barcelona in terms of titles won, having secured the trophy 23 times. The club, and particularly the city of Bilbao, is desperate to celebrate another title, specifically the chance to sail the iconic *Gabarra* boat down the Nervión river—a tradition reserved for major trophy wins.

Reaching the **Copa del Rey semis** provides a vital confidence boost for the team's overall season trajectory. While they also fight for a strong league finish to achieve European spots, securing a place in the cup final offers a separate and often easier pathway back to continental competition.

Ernesto Valverde deserves immense credit. His tactical shifts, his faith in the established core players, and his ability to manage the delicate balance between league form and cup progress have been exemplary. The squad depth is proving sufficient to navigate the intense schedule.

The remaining teams in the semi-final draw will present stiff opposition, but Athletic will enter the next phase with momentum and belief. Their strong cup pedigree makes them immediate favorites among the remaining contenders.

The pathway to glory is now clearer. Two legs stand between Athletic Club and the final. Fans are already dreaming of the grand stage, driven by the desire to end their lengthy wait for major silverware.

The performances of key secondary players in this campaign—such as the emerging defensive strength and the contributions from the bench—demonstrate that this is a collective effort, not solely reliant on the brilliance of the **Williams brothers**.

This tournament run is becoming a hallmark of renewed energy and purpose. For Iñaki, the goal is more than just three points (or progression); it's a legacy marker, ensuring his name remains etched in the annals of Athletic history alongside the club's greatest champions.

The victory at Valencia was gritty, hard-fought, and ultimately defining. Athletic Club has survived the quarter-final gauntlet and is ready to challenge for the title.

The city waits. The Gabarra waits. But for now, the roar belongs to Iñaki Williams and the victorious Lions of San Mamés.

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