The Copa del Rey semifinal between Athletic Club and Osasuna unfolded under a tense backdrop as security authorities restricted access to the San Mamés stadium for an extended period. Players and staff lined up outside the arena, scheduled to arrive at 7:30 PM, only to face delays that halted entry for more than thirty minutes. The unusual hold by the Ertzaintza disrupted the planned routine of the visiting team and set the stage for an unprecedented postponement that forced organizers to rethink the kickoff time in real time.
Osasuna officials and club representatives reported the delay via social channels, noting that the reasons for the blocking were not immediately disclosed. The club stressed that it would assume responsibility and work with authorities to resolve the situation, underscoring that the incident was without precedent in recent visits to the stadium. The situation drew attention from fans and media as the clock continued to tick while security updates were awaited and the players remained in limbo outside the venue.
As the hours passed, Osasuna confirmed their arrival at the venue, but the delay persisted. The club communicated that the team had arrived at La Catedral later than planned, describing the events along the route as unprecedented and stating that the matter would be resolved with the federation requesting a revised kickoff time. The characterization of the incident as an extraordinary disruption highlighted the unusual nature of a European competition match affected by security protocols during a high-stakes stage of the tournament.
Following discussions among Athletic Club, Osasuna, and the match referees at the arena, the decision was made to adjust the start time to accommodate the disruptions. The federation subsequently confirmed the revised kickoff timing, recognizing that the delay stemmed from factors outside Osasuna’s control and emphasizing the need to ensure a smooth and fair match environment for both teams and the wider audience.
OFFICIAL:
The Copa del Rey semifinal match between Athletic Club and Osasuna will commence at the newly scheduled time to reflect the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Osasuna’s delayed arrival. Authorities and organizers are aligned in prioritizing safety and competitive integrity during this important stage of the competition. This adjustment was issued after careful coordination among the involved parties and the governing body, with the aim of delivering a trustworthy and orderly contest for supporters and stakeholders alike. Attribution: statements from the federation and Osasuna management are cited to reflect the official communications surrounding the event.