January means domestic cups, doesnt it? Every league has their own version of knockout competition and after a busy league schedule in December, the long-awaited cup matches return. England has their beloved FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, Italy has Coppa Italia, and Spain has its own version in the Copa del Rey.
One of the matches in the round of 16 of the competition is a clash between a struggling Athletic Bilbao against the current third place holder in La Liga, Sevilla. The meeting at San Mames Barria on January 10 marked their first play-off-like series of three matches against each other (two legs of Copa and one La Liga encounter) in eight days.
Despite being in a relatively good form throughout this season, Sevilla came into this match without a win since December 17. Meanwhile, the home side started the year with a joyful 1–2 away win against Celta Vigo. Although the recent results from both teams prior to this match favoured Athletic, Sevilla actually came out as the winning side; via a dominant 1–3 win that gives them the advantage in the second leg. But how did the match unfold?
Starting XI
Gaizka Garitano decided to start Mikel San Jose alongside Ander Iturraspe in the middle of the park. In front of them, the trio of Inigo Cordoba, Gorka Guruzeta, and Markel Susaeta supported the lone striker, Aritz Aduriz. Some popular names such as Inaki Willams, Inigo Martinez, and Iker Muniain had to start from the bench.
In the other side, Pablo Machin also opted to bench some of his big-name players, such as Ever Banega, Jesus Navas, and their number-one-goalkeeper, Tomas Vaclik. The gaffer decided to pack his midfield with Roque Mesa, Ibrahim Amadou, and Franco Vazquez. Up front, Milan-loanee Andre Silva started alongside ex-Manchester City player, Nolito.
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