Espanyol showed excellent resolve to take the advantage in their Copa
del Rey semi-final against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
Espanyol came from behind to record an impressive 1-1 draw at
Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on
Wednesday.
The result gives Sergio Gonzalez's side the upper hand heading into the
return clash, which they will host on March 4, and came despite
Bilbao's excellent beginning.
Athletic dominated from the off, pressing well and passing excellently,
and it was no surprise when Aritz Aduriz gave them an 11th-minute
lead.
Aduriz's superb chip – his 15th goal of the season in all competitions –
was followed by more Bilbao pressure, but the hosts were unable to
double their lead.
And Espanyol took advantage when Victor Sanchez fired them level 10
minutes before the break with a stunning effort from distance.
Espanyol then turned the screw in the second half, with only the
crossbar preventing Sergio Garcia from giving them the lead. And the
bar came to Bilbao's rescue again when Victor Alvarez nodded into it in
the 84th minute.
But despite their missed chances, it was Gonzalez's side who would
head home happier after an impressive performance.
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