INAKI WILLIAMS RACED back from Africa to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and sent Athletic Bilbao into the semi-finals by scoring a crucial goal in their 4-2 extra-time triumph on Wednesday.
Williams played in Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Mozambique on Monday, and after their elimination was mathematically confirmed on Tuesday, made it home in time to help Athletic vanquish the Spanish champions and pile more pressure on coach Xavi Hernandez.
Athletic struck inside the first minute through Gorka Guruzeta, but Barcelona turned the game around with goals from Robert Lewandowski and 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal.
Oihan Sancet netted early in the second half to take the game to extra-time and then teed up Inaki Williams to put the Basques ahead.
His brother Nico Williams added the finishing touch late on to complete a superb night for the hosts.
After Barcelona’s recent humbling by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Xavi admitted the team needs to win a trophy this season.
Eight points off the top in La Liga, the record 31-time Copa del Rey winners saw the cup as an accessible route to silverware, but crashed out on a disappointing night at the San Mames.
Probably blame Martin O’Neill if he doesn’t get the job
A sinking ship I’m afraid Ronald
Be great to c him revive them
Legend
@Decky: Much like his successful revival of Everton.
Rubbish coach inflated ego
And I thought Netherlands had hit rock bottom….
Would love him to get the Irish job some day … just to see him pick McCarthy every time .
Easy job
@Irishoverseas: to take with so many extra teams qualifying for the Euros