- Title: Athletic Bilbao optimistic ahead of second Copa del Rey final in two weeks
- Date: 16th April 2021
- Summary: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (APRIL 16, 2021) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF HEALTH WORKERS WALKING TOWARDS RIO'S ROCINHA FAVELA TO VACCINATE RESIDENTS VARIOUS OF HEALTH WORKERS WALKING THROUGH FAVELA HEALTH WORKERS ENTERING HOME VARIOUS OF WOMAN BEING VACCINATED HEALTH WORKERS WALKING THROUGH FAVELA AND WAITING TO ENTER HOME/CAMERA PANS UP TO SHOW FAVELA VARIOUS OF WOMAN BEING VACCINATED
- Embargoed: 30th April 2021 20:50
- Keywords: Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona Iker Muniain Marcelino Garcia
- Location: SEVILLE, SPAIN
- City: SEVILLE, SPAIN
- Country: Spain
- Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA009E8RVTXB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Athletic Bilbao were optimistic ahead of their second Copa del Rey final in two weeks as they prepared the match against Barcelona on Friday (April 16) at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.
Athletic lost last season's delayed Copa final to Basque rivals Real Sociedad only two weeks ago but coach Marcelino Garcia said they found out why they underperformed during that match, adding the squad was looking forward to playing against Barcelona.
Despite some knee troubles, Athletic captain Iker Munian trained with the team and said the team has recovered from the lost final and will fight with ambition against the Catalans.
Bilbao are known for upping their game against the big boys, and coach Marcelino Garcia masterminded Valencia's 2019 Copa del Rey final triumph over the Catalans, as well as January's Super Cup success.
Bilbao, who have not won the Copa title since 1984, will take confidence from the way they outplayed Barca that night at the same Cartuja Stadium in Seville where they will face off this weekend.
(Production: Mariano Valladolid, Miguel Gutierrez) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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