The second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid took place at San Mames this evening.
Atletico took a slight advantage into the match after recording a 1-0 win when the pair met in the Spanish capital last week.
However, that goal was cancelled out towards the end of the first period when Aritz Aduriz headed home from inside the box.
Atletico regained the lead in the tie just before the hour mark when Raul Garcia found the bottom corner, before Diego Costa scored late on to book their spot in the semi-finals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey quarter-final coverage continues this evening from San Mames and it is a real cracker as Athletic Bilbao welcome Atletico Madrid. As mentioned, Atletico will enter the match with a one-goal advantage following their victory in Madrid last week, but Bilbao will be confident of turning it around on their own patch.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iago; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico; Susaeta, Herrera, Muniain; Aduriz
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Koke, Garcia, Gabi; Adrian, Costa, Rodriguez
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Bilbao XI this evening with Aduriz once more leading the line with support from Iker Muniain and Susaeta. However, there is no place in the XI for either Benat or Ibai Gomez, who has arguably been their best player in recent weeks. Atletico are without the services of Tiago and Arda Turan, meaning that Raul Garcia and Cristian Rodriguez both start. Adrian Lopez is also in for David Villa, who is among the substitutes.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Bilbao. Atletico have won each of the last five matches, scoring 13 times in the process and incredibly not conceding a single goal. The pair have already met in the league this season, with Atletico claiming all three points with a 2-0 win back in November.
Much of Bilbao’s success this season has been built on strong home form. At San Mames in the league, they have won nine of their 11 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. That is a better home record than Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, while they are the only Spanish team to have beaten Barcelona thus far this season.
Such form has taken Bilbao into fourth position in La Liga. A total of 42 points from their 21 matches has left them five points clear of fifth-place Villarreal and with their sights firmly set on the Champions League. Their goal record has also been impressive at San Mames this season with 27 in their 11 matches, conceding just 11 times in the process.
Bilbao advanced to this stage of the competition by overcoming Real Betis in the previous round having beaten Celta Vigo in the fourth round. Atletico, meanwhile, who are the current holders of the Copa del Rey, have moved past Sant Andreu and Valencia to advance into the last eight. Tonight’s winner will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Atletico’s performances have slightly dropped in recent weeks, but they have lost just once in all competitions this season, with that defeat coming back in October against Espanyol. As it stands, they are second in La Liga, level on points with leaders Barcelona, while they are also into the last-16 stage of the Champions League.
Atletico have been extremely strong on the road this season, especially in La Liga, with eight wins, one draw and one defeat. Their record of just seven conceded on their travels is the joint-best defensive record in the division, but they did concede twice in their last league match away at Rayo Vallecano.
PREDICTION: This is perhaps one of the hardest matches I have had to predict this season. Bilbao have been stunning at San Mames this season, but Atletico continue to grind out results even when they are not at their best. In terms of the tie, I am expecting Atletico to advance courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Bilbao this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. The home side get the second leg underway at San Mames.
CHANCE! Wow! Wonderful chance for Atletico to take the lead with their first attack as Costa finds himself one-on-one with Iago, but the Bilbao goalkeeper stands tall to make the save. That would have left the home side needing three goals.
It must be said that there is a tremendous atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is not a surprise. I have a feeling that we could have a real cracker. Atletico have started like a house on fire as Costa looks for Luis down the left moments later, but San Jose is across to clear at the vital moment.
End-to-end football as a Bilbao attack is brought to an end by Gabi, who releases Costa down the right, but Laporte fells the forward and picks up a yellow for his troubles. The resulting set piece is delivered into the area by Gabi, but Rico is on hand to clear the danger. Hardly time to take a breath in the opening six minutes of this Copa del Rey clash.
Good possession for Bilbao in the last few moments with Herrera and Rico seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. A half-chance arrives for Herrera as the Spaniard meets a header from Garcia, but Courtois is on hand to push wide of the post. What a terrific eight minutes of football as Herrera fires wide once more moments later.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. Garcia becomes the second player to enter the referee's book, but chances have been at a premium since that early effort from Costa. As it stands, Atletico would reach the semi-finals.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aduriz finds some space outside the box, but his effort is into the arms of Courtois. Atletico attempt to break down the other end with Costa, but Iraola is across to clear. It remains a full-bloodied affair in the middle of the park with strong challenges arriving.
It is not good news for Atletico as Luis over-stretches his groin during a challenge with Iturraspe. Costa immediately signals that the change will need to be made. The Brazilian left-back's replacement is former Liverpool defender Insua. Atletico are starting to pick up a few knocks at the worst time of the season. Let's hope it is not a serious one.
It is an untidy match at the moment in terms of challenges as Costa clashes with Herrera, which brings an angry reception from a number of players and Atletico boss Simeone. The flow has been interrupted, but Bilbao are enjoying more of the ball. It has been some 17 minutes and we are not even warmed up yet.
Just a reminder that the only score that can bring extra-time this evening is a 1-0 win for Bilbao. As it stands, Atletico would book their spot in the semi-finals to face Real Madrid. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as the sloppiness in the final third continues.
Bilbao remain the more inventive in the final third as Aduriz tests Courtois with a header, but the Belgian stopper makes the save. Costa is the target for a Garcia cross down the other end, but San Jose eases the forward out of the way. It must also be said that the pitch is in perfect condition this evening.
Good spell for the home side in the last couple of moments as Herrera works the ball to Rico, who lines up a shot on the edge of the box, but Juanfran is across to clear at the vital moment. Muniain drives into the box moments later, but Miranda is across to clear. Still goalless with 24 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Aduriz continues to cause real problems with his height and another opportunity arrives as the Bilbao forward meets a cross from Susaeta, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. Atletico just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the first period continues to gather pace at San Mames.
You just get the feeling that Bilbao need to find the back of the net during this spell of pressure. We have seen it all before from Atletico this season. They appear to be struggling, but moments later they take the lead before closing their defence. Not too much from the likes of Adrian and Rodriguez for the away side as Bilbao continue to press.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Susaeta dances into the box before falling under a challenge from Insua, but the referee is not interested. The rain appears to be getting heavier, meanwhile, which is adding to the atmosphere. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this Copa del Rey tie.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals. It could be a repeat of last year's final if Atletico manage to move past Bilbao. The opportunities continue to fall for the home side, but Courtois has not really been worried thus far. Bilbao need a goal to level this one up.
Koke becomes the latest name to enter the book for fouling Herrera on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick eventually falls to Muniain on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at Courtois. There is a stoppage moments later when Godin clashes with Courtois following a high cross from Iraola.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to take the lead on the night as Rico dances into the box before rolling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Atletico remain under serious pressure at San Mames.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to taking the lead as Garcia meets a swinging corner from Gabi, but his header just drops wide of the post. The away side come within a whisker of moving 2-0 ahead in the tie.
A poor pass from Susaeta hands Atletico the chance to break with Koke, but Laporte is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Bilbao are down the other end with Muniain moments later, but his cross is headed clear by Godin. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-0 Atletico (Aduriz)
Bilbao level the tie at 1-1 as Aduriz rises highest inside the box before thumping his header into the bottom corner. It is no more than they deserve. Game on at San Mames!
As it stands, this match would head for extra-time. It was a wonderful cross from Balenziaga in the build-up to the goal. Atletico have some serious work to do here that is for certain. Bilbao are unbeaten on their own patch this season.
CHANCES! Incredible double save from Courtois as the Atletico goalkeeper denies Aduriz and Iraola in quick succession. Atletico could have been three or four behind at the interval. The capital outfit just cannot keep the ball.
CHANCE! Bilbao carve Atletico open once more as Herrera finds Rico on the edge of the box, but Courtois is on hand to make another fine save. What on earth has happened to that Atletico defence?!
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 1-0 Atletico
Wow, just wow. What a half of football at San Mames. As it stands, this match would head for extra-time following Aduriz's header late in the first half. It would be no exaggeration to say that Bilbao could be three of four goals ahead of Atletico, who have struggled to create anything of note in this Copa del Rey tie.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had an incredible 15 chances to Atletico's two. Only a number of wonderful saves from Courtois have kept this game at 1-0. Can Atletico respond in the second period?
BENCH WATCH: Bilbao have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Sola, De Marcos, Benat and Ibai Gomez, while Atletico have the likes of David Villa, Sosa and the returning Mario Suarez in reserve. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that, as it stands, this match would head for extra-time. Another goal and that would not be the case. The winner faces Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Right, Atletico get the second period underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I expect changes will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Can Atletico improve? The capital outfit have simply not figured in the opening 45 minutes. However, they have made a bright start to the second half.
CHANCE! Atletico's bright start brings a chance as Costa drives into the box before rolling a cross towards Adrian, but his effort is deflected high of the crossbar by San Jose. The resulting corner is delivered by Koke, but Costa's header is blocked off the line.
Well, it could not be more different from the first period. Atletico are the team on the front foot as they continue to force the issue in the Bilbao box. Adrian has another half-chance moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Bilbao just need a period in possession with 52 minutes on the clock.
Bilbao have managed to quell some of the traffic in the last couple of moments with Muniain causing problems in wide positions, but Atletico are a different animal from the first period. Just a reminder that as it stands, this tie would head for extra-time. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals as the rain continues to fall.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Atletico (Garcia)
Atletico level on the night and take the lead in the tie as Garcia strikes a wonderful effort into the bottom corner having previously been denied by Iago.
That goal means that Bilbao need to score twice in the final 30 minutes to book their spot in the semi-finals. It is harsh on Bilbao, who have been much the better team. Both managers will be considering changes as the hour mark approaches.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Muniain meets a cross from Herrera, but his effort is blocked by Miranda. Atletico are down the other end with Costa moments later, but the forward curls wide. End-to-end football at San Mames as Muniain is once more denied inside the box.
Good pressure from Bilbao in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but they are finding it harder to force the issue. Atletico might not always be pretty, but they continue to produce results. Little under 30 minutes of this Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg remaining.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Rico finds some space inside the Atletico box, but Courtois is on hand to make a stunning save. The Belgian has been just sensational this evening.
Bilbao continue to threaten as Susaeta drives down the left before rolling a low cross towards Aduriz, but Courtois is on hand to collect once more. Moments later, Bilbao make their first change as Ibai Gomez replaces Rico.
Half-chance for Bilbao to threaten as Ibai stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Bilbao have been the better side this evening, but they need to score twice in the final 20 minutes to advance into the semi-finals. Atletico are grinding it out at the moment.
Just a reminder that following this match we have live coverage of Barcelona against Levante. It appears more straightforward for the Catalan outfit, who lead 4-1 from the first leg. Bilbao continue to press at San Mames, but Atletico are dealing with the danger. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Herrera collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Courtois makes another fine save. Plenty happening in the middle of the park, meanwhile, as the challenges continue to arrive. It has been a stunning 74 minutes of football as Bilbao prepare their second change of the contest.
Bilbao do indeed make their second change as Sola replaces Susaeta for the final 15 minutes or so. Still no movement on the Atletico bench, which is a surprise. Just a reminder that Bilbao need to score twice. As it stands, Atletico lead 2-1 on aggregate and have scored a vital away goal.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao remain in control of the ball. It does appear that they will exit the competition this evening, but they have run Atletico incredibly close this evening. That said, there is still time for them to score twice.
Bilbao make their third and final change as Benat enters the field in place of Herrera, who has once more been impressive this evening. Still no movement on the Atletico bench, despite Costa appearing to be carrying a knock. Little under 10 minutes of this Copa del Rey tie remaining.
Atletico make their first change of the match as Adrian is replaced by Sosa for the final stages. Just a reminder that following this match we have live action from Barcelona against Levante - be sure to remain with us for that one. The Catalan outfit hold a 4-1 lead from the first leg.
The rain continues to fall as Atletico close out another Bilbao attack. The home side will have to switch their attention to the weekend following this match as they welcome Real Madrid in the league. Not too much in terms of chances in the last couple of moments.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-2 Atletico (Costa)
Finally Costa ends his barren scoring run as the Atletico forward beats the offside trap before rounding Iago and converting from close range. Tie over.
Bilbao have the chance to level on the night with a free kick outside the box, but it breaks down when Benat attempts to play it short. Atletico are on the break moments later, but Costa is pulled down by Iraola.
Atletico make their second change as Costa is replaced by Alderweireld. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Bilbao continue to press, but Atletico remain compact in defensive areas.
FULL-TIME: Bilbao 1-2 Atletico
So there we have it. Atletico are into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey following a 3-1 aggregate win over Bilbao. Diego Simeone's side will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Levante. Until then!
