Athletic Bilbao Edge Past Ourense in Copa del Rey Thriller: Resilience and Grit Define Round of 32 Clash

A David vs Goliath Story in Galicia: Athletic Bilbao Face Ourense CF

Thursday evening in Galicia, football fans witnessed a classic underdog story play out at Estadio O Pico Sacro, as third-tier Ourense CF hosted La Liga heavyweights Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. The matchup, which finished 1-0 in favor of Bilbao after extra time, was a testament to the enduring drama of cup football, where the script is never quite settled until the final whistle.

Ourense’s Defensive Grit: Frustrating the Giants

For much of the match, Ourense CF embodied the spirit of the cup. Their compact defensive shape and disciplined organization repeatedly stymied Bilbao’s attacks. With a home record built on resilience and tactical discipline, Ourense had already earned a reputation for making life difficult for higher-tier opposition. On this night, they added another chapter to that narrative, forcing Bilbao to work for every inch of space and opportunity.

Despite missing forward Juan Piera, who was unavailable after sitting out the previous two games (Goal.com), Ourense showed little sign of vulnerability. Their backline, led by Sánchez, Sanz, and Pérez, formed a formidable wall, and keeper Muñoz commanded his area with authority. Set pieces offered their best hope, as corners and free-kicks momentarily threatened to tip the balance. But Bilbao’s defense, though stretched, held firm.

Bilbao’s Experience Shows: Injuries and Adaptation

On paper, Athletic Bilbao entered as clear favorites, with predictive models granting them a near 48% chance of victory (Sports Mole). But reality on the pitch was less forgiving. The Basque club arrived with a list of injury concerns: Yuri Berchiche was ruled out after limping off in their last league outing, while Unai Egiluz and Benat Prados continued to recover from long-term knee injuries. Maroan Sannadi was still regaining fitness, and Aymeric Laporte’s status remained doubtful. Robert Navarro missed his fifth consecutive match (Goal.com).

Bilbao’s squad depth and tactical adaptability proved crucial. Manager Ernesto Valverde shuffled his lineup, integrating youth and experience. As the match wore on, his side gradually found their rhythm, but Ourense’s resistance kept the contest tight and nervy.

Extra-Time Drama: The Decisive Moment

Regulation time ended goalless—a 0-0 stalemate reflecting Ourense’s dogged defense and Bilbao’s inability to unlock their hosts. For the neutral fan, the tension was palpable. Could the underdogs force a penalty shootout? Or would Bilbao’s class eventually shine through?

It took until the dying moments of extra time for the breakthrough. In the 120th minute, Bilbao forced a corner, with Alberto Sánchez conceding under pressure. From the ensuing play, Bilbao found the decisive goal, snatching victory just as the specter of penalties loomed (ESPN). The final score: Ourense CF 0, Athletic Club 1.

Statistical Snapshot: Margins and Probabilities

Pre-match data painted a nuanced picture. Bilbao’s chances of winning were nearly double that of Ourense (47.93% vs. 25.13%), but the most probable scoreline was a slender 0-1 win for the visitors (13.33% probability). In the end, the numbers aligned with reality, but not without a fierce battle. The odds of a draw (26.94%) nearly materialized, and Ourense’s probability of scoring at least once hovered at 61%, underlining their attacking intent despite the final outcome (Sports Mole).

Both teams finished with less than three goals, matching the majority prediction for a low-scoring affair. Bilbao’s edge in squad strength and experience ultimately proved decisive, but the contest was defined more by effort and grit than by technical superiority.

Broadcast and Global Reach

The match attracted a global audience, with fans tuning in from the USA (Fubo, ESPN Select), France (DAZN), Spain (Moviestar+), and India (Fancode) (Goal.com). For those traveling abroad, VPNs like NordVPN were recommended to access regional streams securely. The widespread coverage underscored the Copa del Rey’s status as a stage where stories of hope and heartbreak unfold in real time.

Aftermath: What’s Next for Both Teams?

For Athletic Bilbao, attention now turns to their next La Liga fixture against Espanyol, scheduled for December 22. The club will be hoping to manage their injury list and carry forward the momentum from this hard-earned win. For Ourense, the cup exit is bittersweet, but their performance against one of Spain’s most storied teams will linger in memory—a reminder of the magic that lives in knockout football.

The tale of this encounter is not one of a routine win, but of margins, heart, and the unpredictable pulse of the Copa del Rey. Ourense may have bowed out, but they did so with pride, having pushed Bilbao to their limits. In football, sometimes defeat is a badge of honor—earned by making the giants sweat.

In analyzing this match, it’s clear that cup competitions remain the great equalizer in football. While Bilbao’s victory was expected, it was the manner of Ourense’s resistance that shaped the narrative. In a sport often defined by superstars and big budgets, nights like these remind us that grit, unity, and belief can narrow any gap—even if, in the end, it’s the favorites who advance.