Athletic Club hasn’t got enough quality to go for the title, but they showed that they’ve got enough grit and passion to mount a serious run in the national knockout competition. Their glorious win over Barcelona last time out lifted the entire city of Bilbao but also set up another high-profile encounter in the quarter-final: Real Madrid at their San Mames.It’s not like the red and whites from the Basque Country needed further encouragement ahead of tonight’s game, but it came with the news that Real Madrid captain and best goalscorer Karim Benzema won’t be fit to play.🚨🗞️| “Adrenaline at La Catedral” – the absence of Benzema, the terror of Athletic, marks an exciting cup match. Muniain returns & the Brazilians made it on time. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/hudWDxQ56e— Blancos Central (@BlancosCentral) February 3, 2022 Benzema has not yet returned to training following his muscle injury in Los Blancos’ La Liga draw with Elche. The veteran striker is still working to return for the clash. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti won’t risk aggravating the Frenchman’s injury and will instead give him time to get fit for challenges in the national championship.Mariano Diaz and Ferland Mendy also miss out through injury, while Marcelo is ineligible due to suspension.The Lions met Los Blancos in the Supercopa de Espana final last month and ended up losing 2-0 in Saudi Arabia. They’ll have another chance to make amends. Marcelino’s men will have revenge on their minds. Their only injury doubt is the young midfielder Unai Vencedor.⚽ Next Match:🏆 Copa Del RayReal Madrid ⚔️Athletic Bilbao📆 3 Feb 2022 ⏰ 11:30 PM pic.twitter.com/fDIv5uLcUt— ✪Peña Official Madridista BlancosKSA (@BlancosKsa) February 1, 2022 Again, the Basque team will rely on captain Iker Muniain and the ever-present forward Inaki Williams to provide the magic in the battle against one of the best teams in the world. They overcame Barcelona in the Round of 16, which gives them the belief that this is their season of giant-killing. But beating Real Madrid would require them to find a whole new level.San Mames is waiting.COPA DEL REYQuarterfinalWednesdayValencia – Cadiz 2-1 (1-0)/Guedes 24, Duro 79 – Perez 54 pen/Rayo Vallecano – Mallorca 1-0 (1-0)/Trejo 44/Thursday22.00: (2.15) Sociedad (3.35) Betis (3.50)23.30: (2.85) Ath.Bilbao (3.20) Real Madrid (2.55)***odds are subject to change
