Espanyol boss Sergio Gonzalez has called on his side to earn their spot in the Copa del Rey final.

The Catalan outfit will welcome Athletic Bilbao for the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday, with the two teams currently level at 1-1 from the first leg.

"I know the fans have been really looking forward to this game. It's very important for them and for the club," Sergio told reporters at a press conference.

"The players deserve to be here, they've earned it and now they have to back up their efforts."

The winner will face either Barcelona or Villarreal in the final.