Athletic Bilbao claimed a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday, with Alex Berenguer scoring from a penalty.
Despite the hosts’ strong start and opportunities for Rodrigo de Paul, Memphis Depay, and Antoine Griezmann, Athletic took the lead thanks to Berenguer’s spot-kick following a foul on Benat Prados by defender Reinildo Mandava.
After the break, the visitors held their own in defense, and the closest Atletico came to an equalizer was when Yeray Alvarez fouled Alvaro Morata, only for the penalty to be overturned after a VAR review.
In the first leg of the other semi-final, Real Mallorca and Real Sociedad played out a goalless draw on Tuesday.
Atletico, currently fourth in the LaLiga standings and three points above Athletic in fifth, will aim to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013 when they face Athletic in the second leg on Feb. 29.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, editing by Ed Osmond)
