Athletic Bilbao down Atletico Madrid to gain advantage in Copa del Rey semi-final

Athletic Bilbao delivered an exceptional display on the road, narrowly defeating Atlético Madrid in the initial leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. This victory marked them as the first visiting team to triumph at the Metropolitano since Barcelona in January 2023.

Boosted by scoring a last-minute equalizer in the Madrid derby on Sunday, Atlético got off to a promising start in their first semi-final appearance in seven years. They controlled possession and managed to create a few half-chances.

Despite their strong start, the hosts made a costly mistake in the 25th minute when Reinildo Mandava was penalized for a reckless challenge on Beñat Prados inside the 18-yard line. Álex Berenguer, who had just returned from injury, confidently converted the penalty, sending Jan Oblak the wrong way and scoring his fifth goal of the season.

Towards the end of the first half, Julen Agirrezabala almost gifted the hosts an equalizer when he parried the ball into the path of Memphis Depay. However, Aitor Paredes was there to block Depay's goal-bound effort, saving Athletic from conceding.

In the second half, Atlético came out with determination to level the scoreline. Samuel Lino fired a low strike just wide of the far post, showing their intent to get back into the game.

While Diego Simeone made substitutions to strengthen his team, it was Athletic's substitutes who came close to extending their lead. Unai Gómez's long-range shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Asier Villalibre missed a golden opportunity by shooting over the bar.

On the other end of the pitch, Lino continued to lead Atlético's search for an equalizer. He cut inside onto his right foot and curled the ball just inches wide of Agirrezabala's goal, coming agonizingly close to leveling the score.

Overall, despite their encouraging start, Atlético failed to capitalize on their chances and find an equalizer before the halftime break. They will need to regroup and show more clinical finishing in the second leg to have a chance of progressing to the final.

In the thrilling match's closing moments, Iñigo Lekue stepped up to make a crucial goalline clearance, denying Ángel Correa a goal. Adding to the dramatic turn of events, Atlético were granted a penalty in stoppage time, only for the decision to be reversed due to an offside violation.

Consequently, the visiting team let out a collective sigh of relief and joyously celebrated their vital first-leg triumph, which they would carry back to the San Mamés stadium.