Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol draw in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol have drawn 1-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Aritz Aduriz put hosts Bilbao ahead on 11 minutes, clipping the ball over Espanyol keeper Pau Sabata after a good pass by Oscar de Marcos.

Espanyol pulled level 10 minutes before the interval, Victor Sanchez striking a sumptuous volley past Iago Herrerin after the Bilbao defence failed to clear effectively.

The game was tight and competitive throughout, with Espanyol almost winning it late on, when sub Felipe Caicedo broke through only to be denied by a last-ditch Xabier Etxeita challenge.

The second leg takes place at Estadi Cornella-El Prat on Wednesday March 4.