Anxiety has been a well-known companion for Athletic Club during their Cup run, as they clinched their latest title in April, holding on tightly to it. In Las Gaunas they had to endure like rarely before, because UD Logroñés proved more formidable than Mallorca. In the penalty shootout, Logroñés secured their passage against teams like Girona, the reigning champions, with replacement goalkeeper Arnau having to step in after the starting keeper was injured just before the match with no replacement option. Agirrezabala once again donned the Superman cape, stopping a Gualda penalty. Sarriegi and Nico both missed their attempts; However, Unai Gómez sealed progress and averted disaster, a potential trainwreck reminiscent of the defeat to Gimnástica more than two decades ago.
Athletic is the Spanish specialist par excellence for knockout matches in modern football. They boast a remarkable record of 25 matches without defeat since October 7, 2003, when they were last beaten by Gimnástica de Torrelavega. Their resolve was strengthened by the fact that they were defending their crown from last season. The first episode was not the most aesthetic, bordering on the tragic, but in such cases the important thing is to progress from one round to the next. UD Logroñés played the role of the underdog, brimming with ambition, and fought hard. Valverde expressed concerns about such matches where his team was the huge favorite, and as the game unfolded he was vindicated until the breakthrough finally arrived. This Copa format is a gem, allowing teams like those in the Segunda Federación to hold on to the epic and elevate the football.
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Their team entered the arena decisively, showing the opposition no mercy or the lack of respect they rarely display. “Many of you have dreamed of playing matches like this; now is your moment, take advantage of the opportunity,” said the UDL coach in his final speech before stepping onto the pitch. Sergio Rodríguez had to watch from afar; he was unable to sit on the bench due to suspension after a clash with Míchel in the previous round against Girona. For the first time, Las Gaunas was sold out for a match that did not involve the national team or the presence of the Three Kings, setting a record for a visit by Real Sociedad.
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The lions first attacked on the left flank, with a bolder Adama and a Djaló eager to prove himself in an area mainly dominated by Nico this year. Logroñés started with strong pressure, respecting the typical game plan of modest teams: letting the minutes pass, relying on the imprecision of the opposing giant, and observing how their superiority fails to translate into goals, leading to despair.
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The contest on the field moved to the stands with a great rivalry between the supporters. The visitors held firm in their determination, while the home side shouted: ‘let’s go for them’. UDL aimed to steal into dangerous areas, hoping to take advantage of an Athletic team that looked disorganized. Just before half-time, they posed more danger and worried the visitors’ defense. Nájera broke through midfield and unleashed a 25-yard shot which Agirrezabala saved, marking the final action of the first half, which ended with each side having equal possession.
-Txingurri remained unconvinced. As the pace increased, UDL blatantly backed away, attempting to disrupt the champions with fouls and protests while slowing down the game. A decisive moment was needed, which arrived with the Williams brothers warming up on the key. They entered the field shortly after the hour mark to replace Serrano and Djaló, with Jauregizar also replacing the reserved Herrera. Nico’s first contribution was a scare for the crowd, making a run that was quickly intercepted by Moreno as he attempted to pass for a point-blank shot; however, the play was ruled offside by a narrow margin. Nevertheless, the backs Arnau and Almandoz, who are not regular starters in the championship, fought courageously like true titans.
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Athletic had the best chance shortly after, in the 69th minute, with a triangle involving Berenguer, De Marcos and Guruzeta, who turned and shot wide when the ball went wrong. effect. Valverde didn’t want to take any chances, removing Núñez, who was on a yellow card, and bringing Vivian into the game. The intensity reached its peak, and the home side favored a scrappy game, exacerbated by the uneven pitch. The lines were tight, the spaces were shrinking, and the support came with heroic efforts as players dug deep to give more. Athletic pressed on, but clarity in the final third was lacking, as they struggled to deliver balls into the box for shots, and anxiety began to set in.
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As the minutes ticked by, both teams understood that minimizing mistakes was crucial. The ticket for the round of 16 would be decided in overtime. Guruzeta had a header chance in extra time. For the Riojans, who displayed a robust defense, penalties against a top team were the best gift from the Three Kings. They had already eliminated Girona from that fateful spot, even without their goalkeeper. A dramatic conclusion could have been avoided in the 115th minute when Nico Williams had a clear chance which was deflected by a defender and saved by Royo. Yet once again the big fish swallowed the small one, but this shark endured enormous suffering.
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