Ernesto Valverde was delighted to progress to a fifth successive Cup semi-finals and also the return of Iñaki Williams, who restored victory on a 2-3 scoreline in extra time. “It was a game that had everything. It was a strong meeting. They came back against us in the first half and we have to come back too. The players are very tired,” the coach told the Teledeporte camera.
The return of the eldest to the Williams brothers was decisive. He came on in the 59th minute to replace Adu Ares, Txingurri’s choice to play on the right side of the attack. “The fact that he was able to come back and be here is an emotional boost for everyone, not only because of what he contributes on the field but also because of what he gives in the dugout. He is a player who drives us, and so does the public. It looks like if you try to write the script it won’t come out that way. He has always been a decisive player. When he took the field he was a bit upset, but then he calmed down,” explained the man from Gasteiz.
Athletic has a special feeling in the KO tournament. “We are a team that likes to face challenges. We have not been in this type of qualifying match for a long time. This is a tournament that excites us like all teams. Also against Barça, today they play everything, ” he says.
His team will face its opponent tomorrow in the semifinals of the KO competition: “Now there are only four teams left. Two of them will be finalists. Last year, we didn’t make it to the title game. We want this year to reach it. I have no preferences, what should be.”
Inaki Williams
Iñaki Williams also appeared on Teledeporte. The Athletic forward arrived in Bilbao with plenty of playing time last night and also scored the goal that put us into a fifth consecutive semifinals. “Thank you to Athletic and the fans for waiting with open arms. It’s like it was written that he will come today and end the game like this,” he said.
“I don’t have time to rest, the trip is long. I like it here. We know how all Athleticzales love these kinds of games,” he added.
Like his coach, the striker has no preference for tomorrow’s draw. “We don’t care, everyone there is a good team. You have to respect all rivals. We have solved many qualifying rounds. Now with two finals left, this year the sensations are different from last season. You have to dream, that’s the goal,” concluded the striker, who already has nine goals between the League and the Cup.
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.
