They join Real Sociedad, Granada and second-tier Mirandes in Friday's semi-final draw, which will not include Real Madrid, Barca and Atletico Madrid for the first time in 17 years. Coach Quique Setien said he was hurt by the elimination but was pleased with his side's performance. "We took a step forward in our play and I'm pleased with many things we did, I'm not only looking at the result." The victory must have also felt like redemption for Athletic, who were knocked out of the Cup by Barca in 2017 and 2016 and lost to them in the final in 2009, 2012 and 2015. The Catalans have appeared in the last six finals but they join Real Madrid in being knocked out after Zinedine Zidane's side were beaten 4-3 at home to Real Sociedad earlier on Thursday.

Source: bd News24 February 06, 2020 22:30 UTC