Athletic Bilbao spanked the Spanish Title-holders, Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi final of the Spanish Super Cup.
It was a well-deserved comeback for the Lions who piled the pressure onDiego Simeone’s men to upturn their 1-0 lead.
Thanks to Nico Williams goal which helped to seal Athletic Club de Bilbao’s comeback victory at Riyadh’s half-empty King Fahd stadium.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid also ruined Barcelona 3-2 in the other leg of the Super Cup semi-final after extra time on Wednesday night
Threfore, Marcelino’s soldiers will hope to set up a showpiece final against Real Madrid on Sunday, 16th.
In the match, Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid was sent off after VAR’s review when the referee was compelled to change the originally given yellow card to a red card.
The slow-paced first period was caused to have kindled when Atletico Madrid took the lead in the 62nd minute when Unai Simon sent the ball into his own net following Joao Felix’s header which hit the post.
Riposting, Iker Muniain from Athletic Bilbao swang in the corner from the right which Yeray Alvarez headed home to level in the 77th minute.
Williams therefore shattered Athletico Madrid four minutes later as he converted a loose ball to his side’s advantage.
Reacting, Williams, young brother of Athletic striker Inaki said: “I have dreamed of this moment with my brother many times.”
Also Read:Â Spanish Super Cup: Madrid Edge Barca 3-2 After Extra Time
“Their goal was a hard blow, but we are as tough as nails and we know how to bounce back. We are prepared for any challenge and now we’ll face a tough opponent in Real Madrid. We go all-in and let’s hope we win another Super Cup.”
Athletico Madrid goalkeeper, Oblak also reacted: “We didn’t play a good game.”
“That wasn’t the plan for sure, the plan was to play more, to press, to have more of the ball. It didn’t turn out like that, the team is disappointed, it’s a difficult moment, but other games will come, we have to get back up. You can’t sayanything else, we have to improve a lot.”
He added: “Every defeat is tough and this one even more, we really wanted to get to the final,” Oblak continued. “The Supercopa is a nice trophy and we really wanted it. The team will get back up, I’m sure. But we can talk here, words aren’t worth anything, we have to do it on the pitch. Saying anything won’t be enough.”
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