Osasuna plunges San Mamés into mourning and qualifies for Spanish Cup final
NOS Football–
Osasuna decided the Basque sub with Athletic in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey in its favor. Deep into the extension of the Spanish Cup match at San Mamés in Bilbao, Pablo Ibáñez struck: 1-1. On March 1, Osasuna had won the outward match in Pamplona 1-0.
Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli, rented from FC Barcelona, scored the winning goal last month at the Estadio El Sadar. The 1-0 in Bilbao came off the foot of Athletics club icon Iñaki Williams. The striker tapped in from close range via the crossbar.
The home team went no further, despite fervent cheers from the fans and despite several chances. An extension became necessary and in the 116th minute Ibáñez gave his team a final place. He beautifully placed the ball from the air over goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala into the goal.
Osasuna can prepare for the second cup final in club history. In 2005, the club from Pamplona lost the final to Real Betis 2-1 after extension. The opponent on May 6 in Sevilla will be FC Barcelona or Real Madrid. That duel will be decided Wednesday in El Clásico. Barça won the outward match at the Bernabéu 1-0.
