[Sport] Athletic clings to its third final in a magical year

[#Steeven.™]

Athletic has already turned 2021 into a magical year in the 123-year history of the rojiblanco club. After overcoming a brave Levante in extra time (1-2) at the Ciutat de València, they will play their third final -Spanish Super Cup and two in the Cup-. The Basque team has regained competitive energy with Marcelino. The coach just arrived after the traumatic decision to dispense with Garitano, he won his first title -after beating Madrid and Barcelona- and has been overcoming rounds until getting into another final.

The Granota team dreamed of their first final in more than 111 years of history. Although in its showcases the Republic Cup, achieved in 1938 but not recognized by the Spanish Federation, appears, what Levantinism yearned for was to deserve and enjoy a final without 'buts' and in the first person. He also deserved it like Athletic. But the misfortune caused Vukcevic to deflect a distant and safe shot from Berenguer to goal.

Because Levante and Athletic give themselves to each game as if it were the last, as if it were worth the golden goal. So the game sped up in both directions from the same opening whistle. A remarkable duel was fought in the meters of band that were treading Clerc and De Marcos. From there came the first center that Raúl García volleyed somewhat deflected. And also another ball to the area that Muniain did not manage to connect well with his head.

A team with Roger and Morales has plenty of capacity to cow the rival because they always meet to create danger. The Madrid winger picked up a loose ball and handed it to Rochina with an advantage to lift his head. The midfielder centered Roger who, after a favorable rebound, crossed enough to overtake Unai Simón.

The goal did not vary the landscape excessively. Marcelino's team maintained strong pressure that allowed him to recover the ball in the opposite field and generate many doubts for the Granota defense. Williams ran through an imaginary corridor between Miramón and Duarte that opened spaces for the arrival of other teammates in a shot position. Paco López had initially placed Róber Pier in the double role of defensive pivot and third center because he was obsessed with guarding the area with a man, taking into account that Athletic was obliged to score at least one goal to equalize the tie. But in one of those misalignments, Duarte tackled Raúl García when he was going to finish off a goal. Estrada Fernández whistled a penalty before de Berenguer finished off a goal. And he yellowed the Costa Rican defender, despite the protests of the rojiblancos who understood that such an action deserved a higher punishment.

Raúl García placed the ball in the eleven meters while Aitor waited under sticks. Paco López decided that the second leg of the semifinal was the best time to change goalkeepers and give the first minutes to Aitor Fernández, the only footballer in the squad who, without being injured, had not yet made his debut in the Cup. If there is a coach The one who has earned the respect of the dressing room for his rotations is Paco López, whatever happens next. Raúl García shot hard to the left and scored.

With the match tied, Levante had two good chances before the break. A very good one from De Frutos and another, unexpected, in a bad clearance by Yeray who crashed into the post with Unai Simón already overcome.

Paco López did not like how the game was going and he removed Róber Pier for Enis Badhi. The Macedonian's entry did not have the desired effect of giving his team more possession. Athletic broke down on the run and saw Aitor closely, but he lacked precision. A shot from Williams who was looking for the far post lacked effect and Berenguer was about to see the door in a head shot from behind with Aitor off the posts.

The second half was falling in intensity due to the wear of both teams and it was almost inevitable that, if there were no errors, they would go to extra time. The added half hour was played and when it seemed that the semifinal was going to be resolved on penalties, Vukcevic deflected Berenguer's shot and classified Athletic to unfortunately granota.