Spanish Cup final: Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Athletic Bilbao eliminated Levante 2-1 with an extra time goal late Thursday to book their place for the 2021 Copa del Rey (Spanish King's Cup) final next month.

The semifinal's first leg this February in Bilbao was 1-1, and the second leg in Valencia initially ended with the same score.

Levante's Roger Marti drew first blood in minute 16 but in the 29th minute, Athletic Bilbao forward Raul Garcia successfully converted a penalty for his team to level the match, 1-1.

The game went to extra time as the second half ended 1-1.

In the 112th minute Alex Berenguer scored the winning goal outside the area for Athletic Bilbao, 2-1.

So Athletic Bilbao won 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the 2021 Copa del Rey final.

Athletic Bilbao will play against Barcelona in the final on April 17 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.

In a strange turn of events, Athletic Bilbao next month will play the 2020 Copa del Rey final too.

Athletic Bilbao will take on Real Sociedad on April 3 at La Cartuja Stadium for the 2020 trophy.

Last season's final was initially scheduled for April 18, 2020 in Seville but the coronavirus pandemic forced its postponement.

Both the 2020 and 2021 Copa del Rey finals will be held behind closed doors due to the pandemic.