Tuesday 6 January 2015 20:32, UK
Athletic Bilbao took a big step towards the last eight of the Copa del Rey after claiming a 4-2 away win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.
Belying their poor league form, where they have picked up just one point from their last four matches, Athletic struck twice in either half at Balaidos to put themselves in pole position for the return leg next week.
Athletic defender Mikel San Jose opened the scoring just five minutes in after being set up by Aritz Aduriz, who then headed the visitors back in front 10 minutes later after Alex Lopez had drawn Celta level.
A misplaced defensive header allowed Celta to equalise a second time, Charles nodding home in the 54th minute, but more forgettable defending soon after, this time at the other end, ended up with Markel Susaeta slotting in low at the near post to put Athletic 3-2 up.
Celta then lost David Costas to a red card before Aduriz wrapped up the scoring three minutes from time from a penalty that he also won, the striker having been hauled down at a corner.
In Tuesday's other last-16 first leg, Malaga earned a 2-0 home win over Levante on the back of two fine finishes.
Venezuelan youngster Juanpi opened his senior account for the club in memorable style with a brilliant left-footed effort into the roof of the net to put Malaga ahead in the 16th minute.
Ricardo Horta, who is also 20, then deservedly doubled his side's lead 12 minutes from time with another well-worked goal. After being put through by Luis Alberto, the Portuguese cleverly lifted the ball over Jesus Fernandez before racing round the other side of the Levante keeper and slotting into an empty net.
