Real Madrid traveled to Bilbao for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. At the end of a match dominated by the Basques, Real was punished in the last seconds by Bilbao (1-0) and therefore went out in the quarters.
Without Karim Benzema, Real Madrid presented themselves with an attack without a real striker with Vinicius, Asensio and Rodrygo holders. An unprecedented attacking trio lined up by Carlo Ancelotti who did not really give satisfaction against a Bilbao team who were much better in their match than the people of Madrid. Marcelino Garcia decided to line up a rather attractive attack with the presence of the two Williams brothers: Inaki and Nico.
The first period was therefore largely in favor of Inaki Williams’ teammates who created the first chances. Dani Garcia lit the first fuse of a shot without control and which forced Courtois to relax to get out the shot which went on the way to the goal. Real Madrid couldn’t control the ball and spent most of their time suffering and defending in front of their goal. The smallest spaces left benefited Inaki Williams who each time came close to offside. But the Athletic lacked sharpness to finish the actions and precision in the last meters.
Bilbao snatched a deserved success
The second period was in favor of Real Madrid who showed much better with the ball. The transitions were better brought, but the mediums Kroos and Modric were slow to show themselves to their advantage. The German also lost several balls which is not really usual. But Bilbao always defended properly and did not hesitate to quickly go out on the counter at the slightest opportunity.
Symbol of a Real lack of ideas, Vinicius was replaced in the 60th minute. The Brazilian who had just returned from selection with the Selecao did not have a single opportunity in this match. In the last moments, Real pushed to score this goal and Alaba then Casemiro stumbled on the defense (83rd) then the goalkeeper Agirrezabala (80th). But what had to happen happened. On a loss of ball from Casemiro, it was Berenguer who dribbled Nacho and crucified Courtois and Real Madrid (1-0, 89th) and offered a deserved success to his team. With this success, Bilbao advances to the semi-finals and will face either Betis or Valencia in the semi-finals. Real Madrid is therefore out of the King’s Cup.
