Ghana striker Inaki Williams is looking to lead Athletic Bilbao to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years after his impressive performance helped the club secure a comfortable 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Athletic Bilbao have a long history of success in the Copa del Rey, having won the tournament 23 times, but they have not lifted the trophy since 1984. However, with Inaki in top form, they will be confident ahead of the April 6 final against Mallorca.
Inaki was instrumental in Athletic’s victory over Atletico, scoring and assisting as the hosts breezed past their opponents at San Mames on Thursday night.
The Ghanaian had previously starred in a memorable win over Barcelona in the previous round, where Los Leones secured a 4-2 victory.
The build-up to the match against Atletico was marred by off-field incidents, but on the pitch, Athletic made a dream start, taking the lead within the opening 15 minutes. Nico Williams’ cross found Inaki, who emphatically volleyed past Jan Oblak to make it 1-0.
⚽ ¡¡𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢!! ¡¡Qué pedazo de volea se ha sacado Iñaki Williams para rematar el centro de su hermano!!
🆚 @AthleticClub 1-0 @Atleti | 13′
⚽️ Semifinal (vuelta)
ℹ️ Minuto a Minuto: https://t.co/CAQw8fCr6Y#LaCopaMola🏆 | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/UPVq5FJMU5
— RFEF (@rfef) February 29, 2024
Athletic doubled their lead just before half-time, with Inaki turning provider for his younger brother Nico. The elder Williams sibling’s cutback found Nico, who coolly finished past Oblak to make it 2-0.
Any hopes of an Atletico comeback were extinguished on the hour mark when Athletic scored their third goal. Oihan Sancet’s initial effort was saved by Oblak, but the ball fell to Gorka Guruzeta six yards out, and he made no mistake.
As a result, Athletic Club will now face Mallorca in the final, which takes place in Sevilla later in the season. With Inaki Williams in such excellent form, they will be confident of securing their 24th Copa del Rey title and ending a 40-year drought.
Inaki Williams has been a driving force behind Athletic’s success this season, contributing 11 goals and five assists in all competitions. His partnership with his brother Nico has been particularly fruitful, and the two brothers will be hoping to continue their impressive form in the final against Mallorca.
The story of the Williams brothers: Their parents walked barefoot across the Sahara from Ghana to reach Melilla, the north African Spanish enclave. They relocate to Bilbao. Iñaki and Nico grew up there. Tonight, they both scored for Athletic Club Bilbao in the Copa semi final.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) February 29, 2024
