Fourty five thousand spectators were present to support their team, Athletic Club, in their home stadium of San Mames in hopes of qualifying to the quarter final of the Copa del Rey against FC Barcelona. The game was considered to be an early final, because the first leg game in the Camp Nou ended with a negative tie and any scenario was possible in the game that took place on Wednesday night.
The Blaugrana players knew their task would not be an easy one in one of Spain’s most difficult stadiums and against a stubborn team who has one of the best records in the competition with twenty three titles won.
When Afellay came on, he showed glimpses of unprecedented skill and technique. I think he's the next big thing for us this season.