A Ghost From The Past Resurfaces In The Cup

Athletic got complicated: A Ghost from the Past Resurfaces in the Cup

Real Sociedad Strikes First in San Mamés, Forcing the Lions into a Historic Comeback

Athletic Club has found itself in a bind. The narrow defeat (0-1) against Real Sociedad in San Mamés has left the lions in an unprecedented situation in the 21st century: forced to overcome an adverse score in the second leg of a Copa del Rey semi-final played at home. A scenario that, although it is not synonymous with elimination, does predict a night of maximum tension in Anoeta.

Athletic's recent history in the Cup semi-finals with the first leg at home is not exactly a bed of roses. In the 2001-02 season, under the leadership of Jupp Heynckes, the team achieved an exciting victory (2-1) against Real Madrid in the first leg. However, the cup dream faded at the Santiago Bernabéu with a resounding 3-0, frustrating the celebration of the white centenary and leaving the lions with honey on their lips.

We had to wait until the 2014-15 campaign for Ernesto Valverde, the current coach, to experience a similar situation. On that occasion, Athletic achieved a valuable draw (1-1) against Espanyol in Bilbao, and knew how to suffer to seal their place in the final with a 0-2 in Barcelona. A demonstration that a comeback is possible, but requires an extra dose of courage and success.

The next two semifinals, 2019-20 and 2020-21, offered a more favorable script. First, a 1-0 against Granada at home that was turned around with a goal from Yuri in the 81st minute, a goal that, with the regulations of the time, was worth double. Then, against Levante, a 1-1 draw at La Catedral gave way to an agonizing 1-2 at the Ciutat de València, with a goal from Berenguer in extra time, which sealed the ticket to the final.

However, the most recent memory brings back a bitter memory. In the 2021-22 season, Bordalás' Valencia spoiled Athletic's cup party. A draw (1-1) in San Mamés left the tie open, but the 1-0 in Mestalla sentenced the lions, showing that any mistake can be fatal in these decisive rounds.

Now, Athletic faces a new challenge. The League demands the attention of both contenders before the decisive return leg. Valverde's men will face Oviedo, Elche and Rayo Vallecano. Real Sociedad, for its part, will have a more demanding schedule, a priori, with visits to Real Madrid and Mallorca, in addition to hosting Oviedo.

The Copa del Rey, that competition that has brought so much joy and caused so many worries in Athletic, presents a new chapter. The red and white fans dream of an epic comeback, while Real Sociedad seeks to consolidate its advantage and take a firm step towards the final. Excitement is guaranteed at Anoeta.

What happened in the first leg of the Cup semi-final between Athletic and Real Sociedad?

Real Sociedad won the first leg at San Mamés 0-1.

How many Cup semi-finals has Athletic played in this century with the first leg at home?

This is the fifth Copa del Rey semi-final in the 21st century in which Athletic plays the first leg at home.

What was the result of the first leg of the 2001-02 season semi-final against Real Madrid?

Athletic beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the semifinal of the 2001-02 season.

In which season did Athletic manage to advance to a Cup semi-final after drawing the first leg at home?

Athletic managed to advance to the semi-final in the 2014-15 season, after drawing 1-1 against Espanyol in Bilbao.

Who was Athletic's executioner in the semifinal of the 2021-22 season?

Valencia, led by Bordalás, eliminated Athletic in the semifinal of the 2021-22 season.

What is Athletic's calendar in the League like before the return against Real?

Athletic will face Oviedo, Elche and Rayo Vallecano in their next League matches.

What is Real Sociedad's calendar in the League like before the return against Athletic?

Real Sociedad will visit Real Madrid and Mallorca, and will host Oviedo in their next League matches.

How important is Yuri's goal in the 2019-20 semifinal?

Yuri's goal in the 81st minute was worth 2-1 and, with the regulations of the time, counted double, being key to qualification.

In which season did Athletic beat Levante in the Cup semi-finals?

Athletic beat Levante in the 2020-21 campaign.

What result occurred in the first leg of the semifinal against Valencia in the 2021-22 season?

The result in the first leg of the semi-final against Valencia was a 1-1 draw at San Mamés.

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