SOCCER: Late Williams strike sends Athletic into Copa del Rey semis, Real Sociedad join them

Inaki Williams came off the bench to score a dramatic 96th-minute winner as Athletic Bilbao defeated Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Valencia forward Umar Sadiq had a rollercoaster first half, scoring at both ends. He accidentally headed the ball into his own net in the 26th minute while trying to clear a free kick, but redeemed himself nine minutes later when Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla spilled a routine shot, allowing Sadiq to fire in the equalizer.

Athletic dominated for long periods but missed a key opportunity in the 75th minute when Mikel Jauregizar failed to convert a penalty. The Basque side finally found the winner deep into added time, launching a counterattack as substitute Nico Williams raced down the right and crossed for his brother Inaki to slot home a first-time finish from close range.

Basque rivals Real Sociedad also advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-2 comeback win over Alaves. Abderrahman Rebbach put Alaves ahead in the eighth minute, but Mikel Oyarzabal equalized seven minutes later. Toni Martinez restored Alaves’ lead from the penalty spot in the 29th minute and had another chance from a penalty in the 67th, only for Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro to make a crucial save.

Real Sociedad struck twice on the counter, with Goncalo Guedes equalizing in the 76th minute before Orri Oskarsson slid the ball under the keeper four minutes later to secure the win.

They will join Barcelona, who beat second-tier Albacete 2-1 on Tuesday, and the winner of the Real Betis vs. Atletico Madrid quarter-final, scheduled for Thursday, in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. -Reporting by Fernando KallasEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters