Real lose Cup semifinal opener but stay clear in league

Second-half goals from Joseba Etxeberria and Ismael Urzaiz earned Athletic Bilbao a fighting 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the opening leg of their King's Cup semifinal at San Mames on Wednesday.

Real, aiming to make it through to a final that will be staged at their home Bernabeu stadium on the club's 100th birthday, gave themselves the perfect platform as Zinedine Zidane opened the scoring on four minutes.

Bilbao responded impressively, though, and two fine finishes from Spanish internationals Etxeberria and Urzaiz earned them a narrow advantage to take to Madrid for the second leg.

Real's disappointment at losing will have been softened by a surprise 2-0 victory for Rayo Vallecano in a rescheduled league game against title challengers Alaves on the same night.

Alaves needed to win to join Real at the top of the table but they missed their chance as Roberto Peragon struck from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half and then set up Elvir Bolic for the second 13 minutes from time.

The result left Alaves in second place, three points behind Real and ahead of Deportivo Coruna on goal difference.

BATTLING BILBAO

Real found little of the flowing attacking football that has taken them to the top of the league table as they were frustrated by battling Bilbao.

Zidane's fourth-minute opener came via a defensive error from Jesus Lacruz, who failed to cut out a hopeful ball through the middle and gifted the Frenchman time and space to swipe past the goalkeeper.

Urzaiz planted a header just over on the quarter-hour and Francisco Pavon then did well to deny Tiko after a tricky run into the penalty area.

The Basque side redoubled their efforts after the break and were well worth their equaliser on 64 minutes, Etxeberria latching on to a long ball down the right and striking a sweet shot over Iker Casillas and inside the far post.

Bilbao upped the pressure even more and they were rewarded five minutes from time when Urzaiz chested down a flick-on from Santi Ezquerro and squeezed a left-foot shot past the Real keeper to leave the tie well placed going into the second leg.

"It was a good game, wasn't it?" said Real coach Vicente del Bosque. "Both teams were looking for the win and Bilbao were strong and enthusiastic.

"It's still open in the second leg. I said it would be difficult for either side to settle the tie here."

Third division Figueres host Deportivo Coruna in the opening leg of the second semifinal on Thursday, with the return matches to take place a week later.