Giant-killers Mirandes will have quite a hole to overcome as they travel to Athletico Bilbao having been beaten 2-1 at home int he first leg of their Copa Del Rey semifinal matchup. Fernando Llorente got a first-half brace to seemingly kill off the minnows once and for all, but substitute Ander Lambarri pulled one back in the 90th minute to make things look a little better for Mirandes. Yes, they have to win by two goals at La Catedral, but considering that the Segunda Division B side have overcome Villarreal, Racing Santander and Espanyol in getting this far, who are we to rule out another miracle?
Athletic Bilbao Vs. Mirandes, Copa Del Rey 2012 Semifinals: Preview, Time And TV Schedule
Mirandes are down, but the third-tier side aren’t out of their Copa del Rey semifinal against Athletic Bilbao. After a 2-1 loss at home, they’ll probably need a two-goal win in Bilbao to get to the finals. Can they work another miracle?
Ok, it doesn't seem particularly likely that Pablo Infante* and company will be able to overcome Marcelo Bielsa's team, but that's what makes cup runs special. Athletic know full well that Mirandes are more that capable of springing a shock result, and will be looking to kill them off quickly at home. An early goal from the visitors, improbably as it may be, would make things incredibly interesting. This is the stuff legends are made of.
*If someone could explain just how a 31-year-old winger from a Segunda Division B side is the top scorer in the Copa del Rey, that would be super.
Athletic Bilbao vs. CD Mirandes
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, February 7, 4:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 p.m. local
Venue: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain.
TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Sky Sports 2 (UK)
Online: ESPN3
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