Athletic Bilbao edges Copa del Rey thriller with win over Villarreal

Madrid - Cup specialists Athletic Bilbao produced a stirring second-half comeback from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead into the second leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Villarreal on Wednesday.

The visitors counter-attacked to perfection before the break to take a commanding lead through Leo Baptistao and Samu Garcia despite resting a host of first-team regulars to prioritize their push for a top-four finish in La Liga.

However, Inaki Williams' early strike after half-time brought last year's finalists back into the game before Aritz Aduriz came off the bench to score his 22nd goal of the season and Aymeric Laporte rounded off the comeback 10 minutes from time.

Holders Barcelona are in action later on Wednesday when they host Espanyol fresh from being held 0-0 by their local rivals on Saturday in the first of three Catalan derbies in 10 days.

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid also face a derby against Rayo Vallecano.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville is looking for just his second win in seven games as Valencia boss when Los Che take on Granada at Mestalla and Betis host derby rivals Sevilla.