Copa del Rey
Quarter final, second leg
Athletic Bilbao made it through to the semi-finals of the cup after coming from behind to beat Sporting Gijón 1-2. The Asturians took a first minute lead when Carmelo beat Iraizoz with a low shot, and Javi Martínez prevented a second soon afterwards when he deflected an effort from Luis Morán wide. Carmelo had to clear an Amorebieta off the line at the other end though, and with four minutes to go to the break Llorente headed on Amorebieta's long ball for Gabilondo to run on and lob Sergio Sánchez, giving his side the advantage on the away goal rule. Soon after the restart David López headed the winner from Orbaiz's cross, and Athletic could have won by a bigger score when Yeste hit the post with a free kick later on.
Mallorca are also through to the last four of the competition after a 0-0 draw at Betis, Keita's strike in the first leg had given the visitors the edge, and although Emanà went close early on, the locals didn't get a shot on target until well in to the second half. Varela tested Ricardo a couple of times at the other end, and Trejo and Jurado also had chances to settle the tie. But Betis were never going to get the goal they needed to take the tie in to extra time, and all reports are that coach Paco Chaparro needs a good result against Getafe at the weekend to stay in a job. (28.01.09)
A last minute goal from Squillaci took Sevilla through to a semi-final meeting with Athletic. The Andalusians were trailing defending champions Valencia by 3-2 from the first leg, and they went further behind when Marchena headed in an early goal from a corner. But Kanouté pulled one back before half time when he headed in Romaric's long free kick, and Luis Fabiano had a couple of chances to put his side ahead after the restart. It looked as if Valencia were qualified though until Mosquera headed on a corner, and Squillaci turned the ball past César to take the Andalusians through on the away goal rule.
Barcelona will meet Mallorca in the other semi-final after Guardiola's side beat city neighbours Espanyol 3-2. Bojan netted either side of half time, the first after Cristian Alvarez couldn't hold on to a long shot from Sylvinho and the second after running on to a pass from Xavi. And when Piqué headed in an Alves cross a few minutes later it appeared to be all over. But Coro got one back with a bouncing shot which took a deflection off Puyol, and Callejón closed the gap to one goal with an impressive strike from outside of the area which Pinto couldn't stop from entering the net. One more goal would have taken the visitors through, but when Jarque was sent off for a second bookable offence near the end their challenge was over. (29.01.09)
