Copa del Rey: Favourites Real Madrid knocked out by Bilbao in dramatic fashion

• Real Madrid’s bid for a domestic double came to an end on Thursday, February 3 as they crashed out of the Copa del Rey
• Athletic Bilbao, who also knocked out Barcelona, knocked out Los Blancos with a solitary goal late in the game
• The last four in the competition now consists of Valencia, Real Betis and and minions Rayo Vallecano

Athletic Bilbao are through to the last four of the Copa del Rey as they knocked out Real Madrid thanks to a stunning winner late in the game on Thursday, February 3.

Alex Berenguer got the decisive goal in the 89th minute as Bilbao continued their dream run in the competition this season.

With the game meandering towards a draw, , substitute Berenguer cut inside and drilled an impressive strike past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to stun Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

No Benzema, no glory for Real Madrid

With the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla out, Real Madrid were considered heavy favourites to win the Copa del Rey.

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Football

Los Blancos were almost at full strength, but one notable absentee from the match was Karim Benzema , who missed the game through injury.

In the absence of the Frenchman, Real Madrid lacked a proper attacking threat up front in a match that was devoid of too much goal-mouth action.

As the game wore on, Real Madrid were could not get the ball from their own half in the 89th minute and a sloppy pass was cut out by Mikel Vesga, who quickly fed into Berenguer.

Still with work to do, Berenguer made a sharp turn away from Nacho Fernandez before burying the ball in the net to send the stadium into a frenzy.

Bilbao will be hoping to become third time lucky as they will be looking to reach the final for the third consecutive season.