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Bilbao claim upper hand

Image: Fernando Llorente: Powered Bilbao in front

Towering headers from Fernando Llorente and Iker Munain saw Athletic Bilbao establish a 2-0 lead in their Copa del Rey clash with Real Mallorca.

Llorente and Munain headers see off Mallorca

Towering headers from Fernando Llorente and Iker Munain saw Athletic Bilbao establish a 2-0 lead in their Copa del Rey clash with Real Mallorca. Bilbao are now strong favourites to progress to the semi-final stage. Mallorca were unable to keep Llorente quiet during an entertaining first half and the Spain international broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the interval. He met an Oscar De Marcos cross with a trademark header to power the hosts in front. Spanish U21 star Munain then made light of his diminutive frame to double Bilbao's lead just before the hour mark. His measured header into the top corner gave Juan Calatayud no chance. Should Bilbao be able to defend their lead in the second leg, they will progress to meet either Espanyol or third tier minnows Mirandes in the last four.