Athletic Bilbao hold Betis in King's Cup semi

Athletic Bilbao put in a spirited display to hold Real Betis to a goalless draw in their King's Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Ernesto Valverde's Bilbao side dominated the first half but were denied a goal by the woodwork and inspired goalkeeping from Antonio Doblas in the Betis goal.

The game opened up after the interval as Betis came back into the match, but for two sides who scored 11 goals between them in their two league meetings this season chances remained at a premium.

In the other semi-final first leg on Wednesday, Osasuna secured a 1-0 lead over Atletico Madrid thanks to a first-half strike from midfielder Valdo. The second legs are scheduled for May 11.

Athletic took the game to Betis, dominating possession in midfield and denying space to their wingers Joaquin and surprise inclusion Denilson.

Doblas kept out Fran Yeste's cheeky near-post backheel with an outstretched leg after 27 minutes, but was not really tested again until just before the break.

Left-back Asier Del Horno got on the end of a Yeste free kick and thumped a header against the upright four minutes from the interval but the ball flew straight to Doblas on his line.

The Betis keeper then had to dive to his right to turn Yeste's fierce shot around the post.

The Andalucians, whose only real chance in the first half was a shot into the side-netting from Ricardo Oliveira, came out stronger after the break.

The visitors made better use of the extra space, however, and striker Fernando Llorente almost broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when he sent a low shot just wide of the post.

Athletic held firm in the closing minutes as Betis substitute Edu and Oliveira fired wide when well placed, leaving the tie evenly poised for the return leg in San Mames next month.