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The Catalan giants were on the brink of a record-extending 13th triumph in the competition after Antoine Griezmann scored twice, either side of Oscar De Marcos equaliser, to put Barcelona 2-1 up late on in normal time.
But Athletic, who knocked out holders Real Madrid in the semi-finals, equalised through substitute Asier Villalibre in the 90th minute and Williams scored early on in the additional period to turn the tie on its head.
Captain Messi was then dramatically sent off in the dying moments of extra time when VAR spotted an off-the-ball incident involving Villalibre, as the Argentinian violently knocked the Athletic player to the ground.
It was, said Athletic Club’s Iñaki Williams at the end of an exhausting, exhilarating 120 minutes, “without doubt the best goal of my career” and he could not have placed it better if he had picked the ball up, leaned a ladder against the post, climbed up and put it there by hand.
It wouldn’t have drawn it better or chosen a better moment for it either. There was still a way to go, nerves to be shred, minutes to be seen out, and plenty of action – Unai Nuñez somehow missing from three yards; Ander Capa and Frenkie de Jong crashing into each other; Antoine Griezmann smashing a volley wide, his moment gone; a red card for Lionel Messi – but Athletic, who had defeated Real Madrid in the semi-final, were on course to beat Barcelona.
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Behind Enemy Lines: Athletic Club
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Why did Athletic fire Garitano?
When it comes to squad building, Athletic always find themselves in a weird position. Their budget and expectations are those of a Europa League level side, but opponents for these positions (Real Sociedad, Betis, Celta, Villarreal, Sevilla) can build more talented and coherent squads because they are not limited by the ‘Basque-only’ rule.
This situation forces managers to do some creative tactical problem solving, but it seems like former Athletic manager Gaizka Garitano ran out of solutions. Garitano had created one of the most stable and versatile defensive systems in the league, and his Athletic could press high or defend deep when needed. FBREF xG data tells us that Athletic are one of the top 5 defenses in the league.
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Lionel Messi was back to his scintillating best on Wednesday as he scored twice in a 3-2 win for Barcelona over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
deserved winners at San Mames and are now seven points off leaders Atletico Madrid after coming from behind against Athletic Bilbao.
slick attacking performance that had Messi at the heart of it.
cross that led to Pedri s equaliser with 14 minutes on the clock and then the Argentinian netted a double either side of half-time to give Barca victory.
He could have scored five goals were it not for a goal disallowed for offside and two efforts which struck Simon s right hand post. Despite making a terrible error in the 90th minute which allowed Muniain to score,