Athletic Club fighting to keep their dreams of Cup success alive
They are the only team to get to the semi-finals of all five editions of the Copa del Rey since the new format was introduced.
Athletic Club wants to add to its glittering history in the Copa del Rey with its fifth consecutive semi-final appearance. Against Atlético de Madrid they will be looking to get one step closer to success by reaching another Copa del Rey final, and thus nearer to a title that would confirm them as Copa del Rey greats. Their previous form speaks for itself, in two of the four previous semi-finals played in recent years, they have reached the final.
The 'rojiblancos' are looking to lift their most recent cup 40 years after winning it for the last time in the 83/84 season. For the 'lions' the Copa del Rey is undoubtedly a special title. Athletic Club has the second most cup victories in its trophy cabinet with twenty-three, just behind FC Barcelona.
Ernesto Valverde goes into his sixth cup semi-final
Since the introduction of this spectacular new Cup format with single-leg ties until the semi-finals, Athletic Club are the only team that has reached the semi-finals in all editions after winning 21 consecutive single-leg ties, 15 of them as the away team and 6 in front of their own fans.
On their route to this season’s semi-finals, Athletic Club overcame UE Rubí (1-2) in the first round, CD Cayón (0-3) in the second round, defeated SD Eibar (0-3) in the Round of 32, beat Deportivo Alavés (2-0) at San Mamés and knocked out FC Barcelona (4-2) in the quarter-final, with two goals in extra time.
A generation of 'lions' that have aligned totally with the passion of the supporters at 'La Catedral' will be looking forward to another opportunity to make history in the Copa del Rey.
Photo: @AthleticClub