Bilbao earn narrow first-leg lead in King's Cup

Athletic Bilbao came from a goal down to earn a 3-2 win at home to second division Valladolid in the first leg of their King's Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.

The Basque side fell behind to an early goal from Valladolid midfielder Inaki but fought back to take a 3-1 lead with 11 minutes to go only to see Valladolid keep their chances alive when they converted a late penalty.

Wednesday's ties see Primera Liga basement side Numancia host out-of-sorts Atletico Madrid and high-flying Sevilla play Osasuna.

Third division giant-killers Gramenet, who knocked out Barcelona and Levante on their way to the last eight, face Real Betis in the remaining quarter-final tie on Thursday.

Valladolid, who upset favourites Real Madrid on away goals in the last round, made a confident start at a rain-sodden San Mames as they put together some quick-breaking attacks in the opening minutes.

They received a reward for their efforts when Inaki slid an angled shot past keeper Inaki Lafuente in the ninth minute after a cross had bobbled across the area and through the legs of Bilbao midfielder Tiko.

Athletic remained unflustered, however, and drew level 10 minutes later, fullback Asier del Horno planting a measured left-foot curler into the far corner from a metre outside the area.

It was not until 16 minutes from time that they took the lead, midfielder Santi Ezquerro rising above the Valladolid defence to head in at the far post.

Andoni Iraola made it 3-1 when he fired home from the penalty spot five minutes later after Valladolid midfielder Rafa was penalised for handball.

But the second division side gave their chances of a second-leg recovery a boost when striker Aritz Aduriz tucked home a spot kick three minutes from time after Javi Gonzalez had handled on the goal line.