Atletico Madrid progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a pulsating victory in Bilbao.

It could have all been much easier because Atletico had a golden chance in the opening minute when Diego Costa received Koke’s pass to race through, but Athletic keeper Iago Herrerin saved well.

That proved to be the visitors’ last serious attack of the opening period as Athletic launched wave after wave of attack.

Ander Herrera had a header tipped wide by Thibaut Courtois, before Iker Muniain shot too close to the Belgian from long-range and Mikel Rico dragged a low effort inches off target.

It was a fabulously competitive and high-quality encounter played in a fervent atmosphere, and Athletic eventually got their reward when Mikel Balenziaga delivered a pinpoint cross for Aduriz to head home.

Courtois prevented further damage, making a brilliant double save from Andoni Iraola and Aduriz, and keeping out an effort from Rico.

But Atletico fought back in the second half, with Herrerin saving superbly from Costa’s header. Herrerin was soon back in action, diving to save from Garcia.

But the ball was only half-cleared and when it came back into the middle, Raul Garcia finished with his left foot.

Although they needed two goals, Athletic were undeterred, repeatedly surging forward and coming close to retaking the lead through Muniain and Herrera.

But Atletico’s defence held firm and Costa sprang the offside trap to add a late winner, setting up a twolegged semi-final against Real.