Copa del Rey Finalists 2020–21

Lore & Background

The final against Athletic Club was a clash of styles, with Villarreal's fluid possession met by Bilbao's intense physicality. Although they would later become European champions, the pressure of the domestic final weighed heavily. The match ended in heartbreak for the Yellow Submarine, as a single goal by Iñaki Williams in the 68th minute decided the contest 1–0, but the performance ensured that the club's status had irrevocably shifted from underdog to a genuine powerhouse capable of competing with Spain's elite on any given night.

In Their Own Story

The humid air of Seville hung heavy over La Cartuja as the final whistle approached. Gerard Moreno looked toward the stands, where the yellow flags were waving in a sea of hope that had traveled all the way from Castellón. The scoreline was tight, the tension palpable, and every pass felt like it carried the weight of a century of waiting. As the referee blew for full time, the realization settled in: they had reached the peak, only to watch another team claim the trophy.

Reader's Guide

The 2020–21 Copa del Rey campaign began with Villarreal navigating early rounds against lower-division opposition before facing top-tier rivals. The quarter-final and semi-final stages tested their depth, particularly after a grueling Europa League run earlier in the year. In the final held on April 17, 2021, Villarreal faced Athletic Club at the Estadio de La Cartuja. It was a tense affair where both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in open play. The match remained goalless after regular time and extra time, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout. In the decisive moments, Athletic Club's goalkeeper Unai Simón made crucial saves, while Villarreal missed their opportunities from the spot. Iñaki Williams scored the winning penalty for Bilbao, denying the Yellow Submarine their first-ever Copa del Rey title despite their valiant effort throughout the season.

Did You Know?

• This was Villarreal CF's second appearance in a Copa del Rey final, having previously reached the final in the 2007–08 season (losing to Valencia).
• The club went on to win the UEFA Europa League later in the same 2020–21 season, making it a historic campaign of reaching two major finals.
• Unai Emery became one of the few managers to lead Villarreal to both a domestic cup final and a European final within the same season.
• The final was decided by a 1–0 scoreline, with Athletic Club's Iñaki Williams scoring the only goal in the 68th minute.