Iñaki Williams is hoping one electrifying moment under the Mestalla lights can flip the script on a season that, by his own standards, has felt frustrating and heavy.
The Ghana international finally shook off a prolonged goal drought on Wednesday night, popping up in the 96th minute to fire Athletic Club into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a dramatic 2–1 win over Valencia. It was a strike born of persistence and perfect timing, teed up by his younger brother Nico Williams, and it carried far more weight than just a place in the next round.
Coming into the quarter-final, the 31-year-old had endured a barren run in front of goal, managing just two strikes across 21 outings in all competitions. For a forward long relied upon for his energy and end product, the numbers told a sobering story. But football has a habit of turning in an instant, and this time, the pendulum finally swung back in his favour.
💭 Qué momento. Qué necesario. Qué espíritu.
💪 Gol que bien vale una semifinal.
👟 @willliamsssnico 🎯@Williaaams45
®️ 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒔#ValenciaAthletic 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/4wtkL7X8Qw
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) February 5, 2026
After the final whistle, Williams spoke with visible relief, framing the goal as more than just a match-winner.
“We deserved a moment of joy like this,” he said to the media. “The first goal that I can dedicate to my son. The season has been difficult, but what happened today could be a major turning point.”
The win breathed fresh life into Athletic Club’s cup ambitions at a time when league form has been uneven. Sitting in the middle of the La Liga pack, the Basque side have often lacked cutting edge in decisive moments, a shortcoming head coach Ernesto Valverde has not shied away from addressing.
In recent weeks, the veteran tactician challenged his attacking unit, Williams included, to start putting up numbers to drag results their way.
On this night, at least, that message landed. Williams’ late intervention delivered exactly the kind of decisive contribution Athletic have been crying out for, and it arrived when belief was beginning to wobble.
📽️ INSIDE I Disputado pase a semifinales en Mestalla, hasta el último suspiro.
✊ Los leones, en la antesala de una final de Copa con todo merecimiento.
💭 Jarraitu amesten! #ValenciaAthletic 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/tnVtA4CiVz
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) February 5, 2026
Now, with confidence nudged back into place, the task for the experienced forward is to turn a cup fairytale into a league revival. Athletic return to domestic action on Sunday, February 8, against Levante, and Williams will be eager to prove that this was not a fleeting spark, but the beginning of a long-overdue surge.
