Inaki Williams made an immediate impact for Athletic Club following his early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.
Inaki went straight from being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana to knocking out Xavi's Barcelona out of the Spanish Cup.
Coming off the bench just two days after Ghana's last match, Williams made the most of his opportunity and played a crucial role in his team's victory.
The Ghanaian forward scored a goal and provided an assist for his brother as Athletic Club beat Barcelona 4-2, securing their spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Inaki scored off the rebound of his shot into Barcelona's net in the 107th minute.
He then assisted his younger brother, Nico Williams, to seal the victory in stoppage time, sending Athletic to the last four for the fifth straight season.
Williams had a disappointing performance as Ghana did not advance past the group stage in the 2023 AFCON.
He was a substitute in their final group game, and as soon as they were eliminated, he flew back to Europe.
Ghana failed to win any games, and Inaki Williams did not score any goals before they were sent back home.
Following Ghana's exit from the AFCON, Inaki traveled via a private jet sent by his club to Spain to prepare for the crucial match against Barcelona, but due to the stress of travel, he started the match on the bench.
Athletic took an early lead with a goal from Gorka Guruzeta just one minute into the game.
The visitors, however, fought back with Robert Lewandowski scoring in the 26th minute and Yamal finding the net in the 32nd after a great run by the 16-year-old forward.
Athletic then equalized with a header by Oihan Sancet in the 49th minute.
In a bid to strengthen their attack, Athletic Bilbao brought on Inaki Williams as a substitute.
The Ghanaian forward made an immediate impact, scoring a rebound goal in extra time.
With 107 minutes gone, Inaki ran on to Asier Villalibre's cross. His first shot hit the post but the Ghanaian turned in the rebound to put Athletic Bilbao 3-2 up.
Thereafter, he provided an assist to his brother Nico Williams in the second half of extra time to secure a 4-2 victory for their team.
Barcelona suffered another setback as they aimed to reach the Copa semifinals for the second consecutive season. The club had previously missed out on a title earlier in the year, losing 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Athletic Bilbao's triumph over Barcelona has propelled them into the semi-finals and brings them one step closer to securing their first silverware of the current season.
Inaki went straight from being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana to knocking out Xavi's Barcelona out of the Spanish Cup.
Coming off the bench just two days after Ghana's last match, Williams made the most of his opportunity and played a crucial role in his team's victory.
The Ghanaian forward scored a goal and provided an assist for his brother as Athletic Club beat Barcelona 4-2, securing their spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Inaki scored off the rebound of his shot into Barcelona's net in the 107th minute.
He then assisted his younger brother, Nico Williams, to seal the victory in stoppage time, sending Athletic to the last four for the fifth straight season.
How the event unfolded
Williams had a disappointing performance as Ghana did not advance past the group stage in the 2023 AFCON.
He was a substitute in their final group game, and as soon as they were eliminated, he flew back to Europe.
Ghana failed to win any games, and Inaki Williams did not score any goals before they were sent back home.
Following Ghana's exit from the AFCON, Inaki traveled via a private jet sent by his club to Spain to prepare for the crucial match against Barcelona, but due to the stress of travel, he started the match on the bench.
Athletic took an early lead with a goal from Gorka Guruzeta just one minute into the game.
The visitors, however, fought back with Robert Lewandowski scoring in the 26th minute and Yamal finding the net in the 32nd after a great run by the 16-year-old forward.
Athletic then equalized with a header by Oihan Sancet in the 49th minute.
In a bid to strengthen their attack, Athletic Bilbao brought on Inaki Williams as a substitute.
The Ghanaian forward made an immediate impact, scoring a rebound goal in extra time.
With 107 minutes gone, Inaki ran on to Asier Villalibre's cross. His first shot hit the post but the Ghanaian turned in the rebound to put Athletic Bilbao 3-2 up.
Thereafter, he provided an assist to his brother Nico Williams in the second half of extra time to secure a 4-2 victory for their team.
Barcelona suffered another setback as they aimed to reach the Copa semifinals for the second consecutive season. The club had previously missed out on a title earlier in the year, losing 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Athletic Bilbao's triumph over Barcelona has propelled them into the semi-finals and brings them one step closer to securing their first silverware of the current season.