Athletic Club Stages 2-1 Comeback Against Rayo Vallecano to Reach Copa del Rey Final
Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid - In the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Athletic Club defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1, advancing to the final with a 4-2 aggregate score. Goals from Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta helped the team come from behind, ending Rayo Vallecano’s unbeaten streak at home. Athletic Club will face the winner of the Barcelona vs. Osasuna match.
First-Leg Lead, Tough Away Challenge
Athletic Club held a 2-0 lead from the first leg at home and faced a strong counter-attack from Rayo Vallecano in the away second leg. In the 15th minute, Rayo’s forward Isi Palazón opened the scoring, sending the Vallecas fans into a frenzy. Athletic responded quickly, and in the 28th minute, an unfortunate own goal by Unai Vencedor leveled the match score. The first half ended 1-1.
According to leading media outlets Marca and AS, the atmosphere at the Estadio de Vallecas was electric, with over 14,000 Rayo fans cheering their team on for a comeback.
Second-Half Comeback, Sancet Shines
In the second half, Athletic Club intensified their attack. In the 65th minute, Oihan Sancet headed in a cross from Óscar de Marcos to put them ahead 2-1. This was Sancet’s third goal in this season’s Copa del Rey. Rayo Vallecano’s coach, Íñigo Pérez, made three consecutive substitutions in an attempt to equalize, but Athletic’s defense held firm.
In the 82nd minute, Gorka Guruzeta scored from a Nico Williams pass, securing the victory. During stoppage time, Rayo Vallecano pushed forward, but Athletic’s goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala made a crucial save to protect the lead.
Final Opponent Awaits in Historic Moment
Athletic Club returns to the Copa del Rey final after a three-year absence, their last final appearance being in 2021 against Barcelona. After the match, coach Ernesto Valverde praised the team’s spirit. In the other semi-final, Barcelona will host Osasuna. The final is scheduled for April 6th at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
Match statistics: Athletic Club had 52% possession, led in shots 14-11, and had a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks. Although Rayo Vallecano had 8 shots on target, they failed to convert their chances. Athletic’s Gorka Guruzeta was named man of the match, contributing one goal and one assist.
In this match, Athletic Club demonstrated great resilience. Valverde’s team continues its pursuit of a 24th Copa del Rey title.
