Athletic Bilbao beats Atlético de Madrid and advances to the Copa del Rey final

Athletic Bilbao triumphantly secured their place in the Copa del Rey final on Thursday, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in the semi-final's second leg.

The Basque team, already holding a slender one-goal lead from the initial encounter at the Metropolitano on February 7th, swiftly took control of the tie at San Mamés, signaling their intent early on.

The dynamic partnership of the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, immediately posed a significant threat to Atlético's defense. This familial duo was instrumental in breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute, with Inaki Williams capitalizing on an assist from Nico to open the scoring. This early goal not only extended Athletic's aggregate lead but also set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Athletic Bilbao's performance was characterized by a well-organized defense and efficient counter-attacks, often spearheaded by the Williams siblings, which kept Atlético Madrid at bay and hinted that a second Basque goal was more likely than an Atlético comeback.

The brothers' synergy was on full display again in the 42nd minute when Inaki turned provider for Nico, delivering a precise cross that Nico converted with a first-time effort. This goal, notable for its technical excellence as Nico volleyed the ball without letting it touch the ground, left Jan Oblak, Atlético's goalkeeper, with no chance of making a save.

Entering the second half with a significant deficit, Atlético Madrid appeared resigned to their fate. This sentiment was cemented in the 61st minute when Gorka Guruzeta added a third goal for Athletic Bilbao, effectively sealing the victory and the passage to the final.

Athletic Bilbao's comprehensive win not only demonstrates their prowess and tactical discipline but also sets up an intriguing final against Mallorca, who advanced past Real Sociedad in their semi-final. The final promises to be an exciting culmination of the Copa del Rey, showcasing the depth of talent and competitive spirit within Spanish football.