At 22:15 Lithuanian time in Spain, another King's Cup quarter-final match took place. At the "San Mames" stadium, players from Bilbao "Athletic" and "Barcelona" clashed in their first match. The hosts did not waste the advantage gained in the first half, even though the match ended with only nine players - the Basques celebrated victory with a score of 2-1. The Bilbao team started the match aggressively - pressing their opponents from the capital of Catalonia in their own half. "Barca" was confused and couldn't impose their game. In the 25th minute, the spectators at the "San Mames" stadium rose from their seats - after a great high pass from Raul Garcia, Artiz Aduriz left unmarked in front of the goal led the hosts forward. "Athletic" did not intend to retreat to their own half after the goal and continued to press "Barca." Three minutes later, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was forced to pull the ball out of his goal again when after a great pass from A. Aduriz, young Inaki Williams struck a real "bomb." For the rest of the first half, the visitors from Barcelona did not stand out, and at the very end, three yellow cards were awarded after disputes with the referee. The second half started with a different game - "Barcelona" had nowhere to retreat and pressed their opponents. In the 52nd minute, the score became 2-1, when Lionel Messi scored a great penalty. Later, the Catalans tried to equalize, but the Basques held firm. From the 74th minute, "Athletic" began to crumble - Raul Garcia received a second yellow card, and a few minutes later defender Ander Iturraspe was sent off the field. "Barcelona" had to play against nine "Athletic" players. The last 13 minutes belonged entirely to the Catalans, but they failed to score the decisive goal. At the end of the match, L. Messi could have equalized, but the ball hit the post. The return match between "Athletic" and "Barcelona" at the "Camp Nou" stadium will take place on January 11th. Result: "Athletic Bilbao" 2 - 1 "Barcelona" 25' [1 - 0] A. Aduriz 28' [2 - 0] I. Williams 52' [2 - 1] L. Messi 74' R. Garcia ("Athletic") sent off the field 80' A. Iturraspe ("Athletic") sent off the field
