Yesterday was the twentieth consecutive single-match Cup tie, apart from the finals, that Athletic have faced in the last five editions of the KO tournament. In the previous 19 he succeeded until qualifying for the semifinals. The first two seasons with this new championship format even cleared the penultimate obstacle, but lost in both finals. In the two previous editions, however, they did not fight for the title.
Last night’s match against Alavés was the fifth one-game tie in which the lions have to play for the continuation in San Mamés. The previous four, logically, ended in victories. 1-0 against Barça in the quarterfinals of the 2019-2020 cup edition, 3-2 against the Barça team itself and 1-0 against Real Madrid in the round of 16 and quarterfinals of 2021-22 and 1-0 against Espanyol in the round of 16 of the 2022-23 campaign. All these matches in the red and white stadium, as can be seen, were overcome, although none of them differed by more than one goal.
It’s time to see the response of Valverde’s troops against an Alavés team that first showed eight changes compared to its last league match. San Mamés fans, with a large representation of Alavés supporters as well, responded to the club’s call for support. 45,233 spectators gathered for this reason in the red and white stadium. Unbelievable but true. The great moment of the lions clearly and directly affects the spirit of their ever-loyal fans.
From replacements to heroes
The atmosphere in the red and white stands was not, however, the usual on big nights. Emotion during the game was almost conspicuous by its absence. Agirrezabala had a lot to do with it. His stops at the beginning of each of the two periods had a positive influence on Athletic’s cup interests.
Alavés had options, but the red and white starting goalkeeper ended them yesterday. At the top, Villalibre is in charge of the rest. Some of his teammates, by the way, scratch more than necessary in their attempt to stop him.
Valverde’s men, in other words, add up and keep winning the single-match Cup qualifiers regardless of the finals. Now we have to wait to see what happens on the twenty-first. We have to pay attention to the draw and, above all, wish that the ball that comes out of the intersection first is the Bilbao club because this way we have to play for a place in the semi-finals at home.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
