Athletic Bilbao reach first Spanish cup final since 1985

Mar 4, 2009, 20:31 GMT

Madrid - Athletic Bilbao powered their way into the Spanish King's Cup final on Wednesday by thrashing dull Sevilla 3-0 in a one-sided semi-final second leg, with first-half goals from Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Gaizka Toquero.

Bilbao - the only team in the major European leagues not to sign foreign players - go into the final on a 4-2 aggregate, having lost the first leg in Seville four weeks ago.

The final whistle in Bilbao produced a euphoric pitch invasion.

Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros denied that the cup run was his achievement, saying that 'this is all down to the players.'

Caparros dedicated the win 'to the city and to the fans, who were just tremendous tonight.'

In the final, to be played in Valencia on May 13, Bilbao will probably meet league leaders Barcelona.

Barca face Mallorca later on Wednesday in the other semi-final second leg, having beaten the islanders 2-0 in the first leg.

It will be Bilbao's first cup final since 1985, and around 30,000 fans are already planning to accompany their team to Valencia.

Roared on by a capacity crowd in old San Mames - due to be demolished within two years - were true to their 'Lions' nickname and Bilbao tore into Sevilla from the star.

Young Martinez made it 1-0 for the hosts after just four minutes, turning in the rebound after Sevilla keeper Andres Palop had failed to hold his first shot.

In the 35th minute Spain striker Llorente made it 2-0 by heading in a perfect centre from Fran Yeste.

And, just three minutes later, Toquero converted San Mames' joy into euphoria by making it 3-0 with a calm finish.

The hosts intelligently played on the break in the second half, soaking up Sevilla's strong but imprecise pressure - and waiting for the final whistle to begin the celebrations.