FC Barcelona’s aims of winning the del Rey were quashed after being beaten 4-2 by Athletic Club on Thursday in a clash staged at San Mames.
Visitors Barca had the worst of starts after conceding inside the first minute when a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Gorka Guruzeta who made no mistake from close range.
Despite the setback, Barcelona would lead at half-time. Robert Lewandowski equalized in fortuitous circumstances, as the ball cannoned off him and into the back of the net before Lamine Yamal fired home to make it 2-1.
Just as witnessed in the first half, Barca conceded just four minutes into the second half when Nico Williams’ cross to the back post was headed home by Oihan Sancet with no team getting the better of the other in normal time; a situation that forced the game into extra time.
In extra time, Inaki Williams, who had just arrived in Spain earlier in the day after representing Ghana, hit the post but the ball fell kindly back to him, and he slotted into the empty net to make it 3-2. His brother Nico would add a fourth in the 120th minute to seal the victory in fine style.
With the win, Athletic Club advances to a fifth straight Copa del Rey semi-final, where they will be joined by Real Sociedad, Mallorca and Atletico Madrid/Sevilla (who play tomorrow).
