Yeray: Athletic Club, Barcelona players show support for defender

Athletic Club and Barcelona took advantage of their Copa del Rey clash to show their support for the Basque side's central defender, Yeray Álvarez, who has undergone surgery for testicular cancer.

Teams wear T-shirts with message of support

Both sets of players took to the field at San Mamés on Thursday evening wearing T-shirts with the message "Ánimo, Yeray" ("Stay strong, Yeray").

The 21-year-old, who Athletic have said is making "positive" progress in the wake of his operation, was in the stands to watch his team's 2-1 last-16 first-leg win.

San Mamés crowd in ovation for Yeray

And in minute 27 of the game - chosen because of the player's shirt number - Yeray was on the end of an ovation from the supporters in Bilbao.

Curiously, the gesture happened to coincide with a goal by Athletic's Iñaki Williams, who scored Los Leones' second with the applause underway.