Real Betis have got the better of Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at home in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

The Basque giants had the better of the chances in the opening minutes with Erik Moran, Carlos Gurpegui and Kike Sola all coming close.

However, Betis stepped up their game in the latter stages of the first half and took the lead three minutes before the break.

Juanfran galloped down the right wing and floated in a cross that Ruben Castro headed home close range.

Bilbao could count themselves unlucky not to restore parity in the final minute of normal time when Sola's effort from close range came back off the post.