Athletic Bilbao defeated Atletico Madrid 3-0 on Thursday to advance to the Copa del Rey final, but the match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes before kickoff outside San Mamés stadium.
Fans With Flares Try to Storm Stadium
Video showed fans setting off flares and trying to break down fences to enter the stadium ahead of the match. Movistar+ journalist Marta Garrido, who witnessed the scenes, said on social media: “It’s the first time I’ve been scared in a football stadium. They have knocked down the fences and tried to enter.”
Atletico Madrid fan Ana also told Cadena SER radio that a group of Athletic supporters attacked her husband and other Atleti fans at a restaurant. “They threw him to the ground, they hit him and broke his phone,” she said.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed one fan was hospitalized, while the club later denounced Athletic for “poor security” that caused “unacceptable behavior.”
Williams Brothers Lead Emphatic Win
On the field, Athletic cruised behind goals from brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta in a comfortable 3-0 victory, 4-0 on aggregate.
The siblings displayed their strong connection, with each setting up the other’s goal. “Our connection is real and it’s working very well, we understand each other,” Nico Williams said after reaching the April 6th final against Real Mallorca.
A medical emergency in the stands that required hospitalization for a fan delayed the start of the second half, according to the club.
Searching for First Trophy in 40 Years
Athletic Bilbao, which last won the Copa del Rey in 1984, will aim to end a 40-year trophy drought after losing its last six finals across all competitions.
Currently eighth in La Liga, Athletic will face a Mallorca side sitting just two points above the relegation zone. But Mallorca won the Copa del Rey in 2003 in its only other finals appearance this century.
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