The Cup returned to the Vicente Calderon with a special. Two of the most traditional teams in the Copa del Rey met in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Athletic wanted to control the game always being careful not to leave spaces. Our warriors began looking well organized, well positioned. The first chance came from a corner taken by Koke, who walked the line without finding a striker. Bilbao’s reply came quickly with a shot from Ander Herrera that went high.

It was even from the start but Simeone’s side grew in to the game with  Koke commanding in midfield. Diego Costa, placed a shot into the top corner, forcing the former Atletico keeper Iago Herrerín  to stretch the maximum to avoid both the number '19 ' pein the scoring. 

Nothing from Ernesto Valverde’s men troubled Courtois , who remained untroubled throughout the first half. That last half hour, Adrian, after a brilliant pass from Koke, failed to convert a one on one with Herrerín. It was the prelude to the first goal. Koke, again with millimeter service found Godin who headed home. With a 1-0 lead the crowd were on top form.

With the passing of the minutes, the meeting was focusing in the middle of the pitch. Iago Herrerín again suffered at the first corner of the match, where the ball went around the goal line without anyone able to send the ball into the goal. Athletic would look for an equalizer but the Atleti defense prevailed in every offensive situation against the Basques. Raúl García, now captain, had his header stopped by Iago.

In the last minutes of the clash out players really showed their quality. Godin had another chance but could not finish after a good run from Raúl García. The match ended with Atleti holding a slim lead ahead of the second leg. Simeone’s men take an advantage to San Mames next week.