Inaki Williams, a striker from Ghana, is primed to guide Athletic Bilbao towards their first Copa del Rey championship in forty years after a stunning performance in the semi-finals that saw the team defeat Atletico Madrid 3-0.
Athletic Bilbao has a long history in the Copa del Rey; they have won the championship 23 times, but their most recent victory was in 1984. But with Inaki playing so well, the team is confident going into the final versus Mallorca on April 6.
On Thursday night at San Mames, Athletic defeated Atletico, and Inaki was a key player in the victory, scoring a goal and dishing out an assist as the home team dominated.
⚽ ¡¡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
His outstanding effort comes after Athletic’s thrilling 4-2 triumph over Barcelona in the previous round.
Athletic made a strong start on the pitch, taking the lead within the opening 15 minutes, despite off-field events clouding the lead-up to the match versus Atletico. Athletic took the lead 1-0 after Inaki volleyed past Jan Oblak after Nico Williams’ cross.
Athletic doubled their lead just before the interval, with Inaki putting up his younger brother Nico for the second. Nico made it 2-0 with a cool finish after his older brother gave him a crisp cutback.
On the hour mark, Athletic added a third goal to complete the victory. Gorka Guruzeta scored from close range after Oihan Sancet’s first attempt was stopped by Oblak.
Later in the season, in Sevilla, Athletic Club will play Mallorca in the championship match. Encouraged by Inaki Williams’ outstanding play, they want to overcome their forty-year title drought and win their 24th Copa del Rey.
With 11 goals and five assists in all competitions this season, Inaki Williams has been a major contributor to Athletic’s success. His relationship with his brother Nico has been very successful, and they hope to carry on their strong play against Mallorca in the championship.
