A late goal from Lautaro Acosta sealed a 2-1 first-leg win for Sevilla over La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.
Sevilla secure first-leg win
A late goal from Lautaro Acosta sealed a 2-1 first-leg win for Sevilla over La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey at a drenched Sanchez Pizjuan.
Significant rainfall meant the pitch was nothing short of soaked which inevitably affected the quality of football from both sides in the first semi-final.
In a slow start at Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla looked to be in control of the game, albeit with few chances on goal.
The home side, though, could not find a way through a packed Bilbao defence as the visitors held their own on the road before taking the lead just before the stroke of half time.
Goal
A superb cross on the right from David Lopez found a leaping header by Fernando Llorente who used his soaring height to full effect to give the visitors a crucial away goal.
Bilbao's goal cushion, though, was under threat almost immediately after the players made their way back on to the pitch, with Sevilla pressing instantly for an equaliser.
They soon levelled the scoreline just after the hour mark when a persistent Aldo Duscher not only kept the ball in play but followed up with a rocket shot from close range.
Sevilla then completely dominated the remainder of the game, constantly pressing the Bilbao defence at every opportunity.
Controversial
Kanoute earned a controversial penalty after going to ground with minutes remaining following a light challenge by Javi Martinez.
His tamely struck spot kick struck the inside of the left post before rebounding clear.
Finally, in stoppage time, Sevilla found their winner as Duscher, again involved, saw his initial shot cleared only as far as Lautaro Acosta who slotted home from close range.
