Evening all! Our Copa del Rey last-16 coverage continues this evening as Athletic Bilbao welcome Real Betis to San Mames for the second leg. Betis will enter as the slight favourites following their 1-0 win in the first leg last week, but Bilbao have been incredibly strong on their own patch thus far this season.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Betis have won three of the last five games, with Bilbao also winning once and the further match ending in a draw. Betis have also recently tasted success away to Bilbao having recorded a 5-3 win in August 2012. However, they lost 2-1 at San Mames this season.

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Bilbao XI this evening with Aduriz replacing Kike Sola in attack. Benat is named on the bench, but Ander Herrera and Ibai Gomez, who both scored in the win over Almeria at the weekend, are named in the starting side. Betis, meanwhile, recall striker Jorge Molina. On-loan Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao also starts in an attacking lineup.

In the league, Bilbao have won 11 of their 19 matches, with a total of 36 points leaving them in fourth spot in the table. They enter the match off the back of a 6-1 win over Almeria at the weekend, with that result continuing their stunning home form. They have played 10 league games at the new San Mames this season and have won eight of them, remaining unbeaten in the process.

In addition, only three teams in La Liga have scored more goals on their own patch than Bilbao. That is all the more remarkable when taking into account their lack of a regular scorer this season. The Basque outfit faced Celta Vigo in the fourth round of the Copa del Rey this season, but moved past their fellow La Liga outfit with a 4-1 aggregate win.

Bilbao are also the second most successful club in the Copa del Rey having claimed the title on 23 occasions – the last of which came in 1984. Only Barcelona (26) have performed better in this particular competition. With the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid prioritising other competitions over the Copa del Rey, there could be an opportunity for Bilbao this season.

Betis, meanwhile, have enjoyed success in cup competitions this season. They have advanced into the knockout stages of the Europa League, where they will play Russian side Rubin Kazan. Meanwhile, they overcame Lleida Esportiu in the previous round of the Copa del Rey to advance to this stage of the competition.

They have struggled in the league, however, with a total of 11 points from their 19 league matches leaving them bottom of the table. They have won just twice in the league this season and now sit seven points from safety. What’s more, they failed to win on the road in La Liga this season – drawing twice and losing seven times.

PREDICTION: Betis will enter the tie as the slight favourites due to their 1-0 win last week, but I just cannot see them securing a positive result this evening. Bilbao have been nothing short of terrific on their own patch this season and I am expecting that to continue. My score prediction is 3-1 Bilbao at San Mames.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that we must have a winner this evening and therefore extra-time and penalties could occur. Right, the home side get the first half underway. Let's hope for goals.

Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Betis attempt to force the issue inside two minutes as Carlos slides a low pass towards Molina, but Iago is out to claim.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages, but Bilbao have taken control of the possession. Betis will have to be compact in defence this evening if they are to advance. Just a reminder that only a 1-0 win for Bilbao would take this match into extra-time. Any other score would see the match end after 90 minutes.

Herrera attempts to force the issue for the home side as he beats two men on the edge of the box before sliding a pass towards Aduriz, but it runs out for a goal kick. The referee has been called into action on a few occasions in the last couple of moments, meanwhile, to deal with a series of fouls. Betis have the chance to deliver a ball into the Bilbao box through Sevilla - it eventually falls to Reyes, but his effort is wide of the post.

CHANCE! The first real chance of the match falls to Bilbao as Ibai delivers a terrific cross towards De Marcos, but the Spaniard cannot direct his effort towards goal. There was some suspect defending from Caro, who let the cross drift over his head. De Marcos attempts to meet a through pass from Rico moments later, but it runs out for a goal kick.

Couple of shooting opportunities for Betis in quick succession as Molina strikes one towards goal, but his effort is blocked by San Jose. It falls to Juan Carlos moments later, but Iago is on hand to collect. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides committing numbers in the final third.

Couple of nervy moments for Bilbao goalkeeper Iago as he flaps at two crosses in quick succession, but the home side manage to clear the danger. It has been a really positive start from Betis, who force another corner through Molina. If Betis score this evening, Bilbao would need three goals to advance. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock, but plenty of intent from both sides.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao have started to take control of the possession. Ibai delivers another dangerous cross towards Aduriz, but Chica is on hand to clear the danger. Plenty of crosses from Bilbao, but little to worry Sara thus far.

Stop-start period of the match in the last few minutes with the referee forced to deal with a couple of late challenges in the middle of the park. Bilbao continue to stretch the game in wide areas, but Betis remain a threat on the counter. The home supporters are in fine voice with 18 minutes on the clock at San Mames.

Sustained period of possession from Bilbao in the last few minutes with Herrera and De Marcos starting to see more of the ball in the final third. Ibai has a half-chance moments later as he finds some space outside the box, but his low effort is just wide of the post. The opportunities are starting to arrive for the Basque outfit.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Iturrasape finds Aduriz just inside the box with a floated pass, but Caro just manages to make a challenge at the vital moment. It was brilliant control from Aduriz, but the Betis defender was on the scene almost immediately.

Bilbao take the lead on the night as Rico collects a fine through pass from Iraola before stroking his effort into the bottom corner. This tie is level at 1-1 after 24 minutes.

That is Rico's sixth goal of the season. He wasn't signed from Granada to score goals, rather to provide energy in the middle of the park. However, he has been sensational this season. The pressure continues from the home side as San Jose meets a corner from Ibai, but his effort is over the crossbar.

Interestingly, the two times that Betis have won the Copa del Rey, they knocked Bilbao out of the competition. Is that an omen? As it stands, this tie is level and will head to extra-time. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

Betis just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue in the final third. Just a reminder that Bilbao have won eight of their 10 league games at San Mames this season, remaining unbeaten in the process. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances with 31 minutes on the clock. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital.

Ibai threatens for Bilbao once more as he chases a through pass from Rico, but Amaya is across to clear at the vital moment. Betis break down the other end with Molina moments later, but the Spaniard can only poke his effort into the arms of Iago. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at San Mames.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to score a second as De Marcos finds himself unmarked inside the Betis box, but somehow he drags his effort wide of the post. There was some suspect defending from Amaya and Caro during that chain of events. Betis are hanging on here.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Betis managing to enjoy a sustained period of possession. However, we have seen little from the likes of Baptistao and Juan Carlos in the opening 38 minutes. Just a reminder that as it stands, this match would head for extra-time. However, there is still a lot of football to be played.

Half-chance for the home side as Rico delivers a cross towards Aduriz, but Amaya is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards San Jose, but the defender cannot make contact. It is important that Betis keep it at 1-0 until the interval. Another goal at this stage could be devastating.

The ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last couple of moments as Betis look for Molina and Baptistao in attack. The intensity from the home side has dropped, meanwhile, as we enter the final stages of the first period. It remains 1-0 to Bilbao on the night and 1-1 on aggregate.

Half-chance for Bilbao to score their second in the latter stages of the half as Laporte meets a corner from Ibai, but his header is straight into the arms of Sara. That should be just about it for the first period.

Handbags between both sets of players as the two sides leave the pitch following a clash between Laporte and Amaya. However, the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Just the one goal in the first period, with Rico levelling the tie at 1-1 with a well-placed finish after 23 minutes.

STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 59%, but they have had just three attempts to Betis' five. It has been far from one-way traffic, but Bilbao have looked the more inventive in the final third. As it stands, this last-16 clash is heading for extra-time.

BENCH WATCH: Bilbao have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Kike Sola, Benat and Toquero, but they are without the services of Iker Muniain and Markel Susaeta. Betis, meanwhile, have the likes of Chuli, Ruben Castro and Nacho on their bench this evening.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. You just get the feeling that Betis will need to score if they are to advance into the quarter-finals. However, the onus is on Bilbao as the home side. Right, Betis get the second 45 minutes underway at San Mames.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that will not be the case if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Both managers will indeed have extra-time in the back of their minds. A goal for Betis would leave them in a strong position, but they have hardly threatened thus far.

Positive start to the second half from Betis with the likes of Sevilla and Reyes enjoying possession of the ball in the Bilbao half. The latter attempts to slide a through pass towards Molina, but Laporte is across to clear. I would be surprised if there was not at least one more goal in normal time this evening. Both are committing players forward when possible.

Half-chance for Betis this time as Juan Carlos delivers a dangerous cross into the Bilbao box, but Balenziaga just beats Aduriz to the ball. The resulting corner is delivered towards Baptistao, but Rico is on hand to clear the danger. Good spell for Betis with 53 minutes on the clock.

Much more of an even contest in the second period with Baptistao seeing more of the ball in the final third. Just a reminder that one goal for Betis would leave Bilbao needing to score twice. Bilbao have not really been allowed to settle since the restart, which has quietened the supporters.

Half-chance for Bilbao as De Marcos finds himself inside the Betis box before collecting a through pass from Ibai, but he can only lift his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Betis break down the other end with Reyes, but the midfielder cannot slide a pass towards Baptistao. Little over 30 minutes of this second period remaining.

Betis again threaten on the counter as Carlos delivers a low cross towards Baptistao, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. It has been extremely casual from Bilbao in the last 10 minutes or so, which is not pleasing the home supporters. At the moment, Betis look the team that wants to win this and book their spot in the quarter-finals.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ibai to score Bilbao's second as he finds himself unmarked inside the box, but the winger can only lift his effort high and wide of the crossbar. That is a let-off for Betis, who have been the better side in the second period.

Juan Carlos takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from distance, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The end-to-end period of the match continues as De Marcos crosses towards Aduriz in the Betis box, but Sara takes charge. Little over 25 minutes of the second period remaining.

Betis make their first change of the match as Ruben Castro, who scored the only goal of the first leg last week, replaces Sevilla, who has struggled to influence proceedings. That is a very positive change from Garrido. Still no movement on the Bilbao bench, but they have a number of attacking options in reserve.

Bilbao make their first change of the match as Kike Sola, who missed a number of chances in the first leg last week, replaces Aduriz for the final 20 minutes of normal time.

Bilbao score their second of the match as Rico's low effort takes a deflection before nestling in the bottom corner. As it stands, the home side are advancing into the next round.

One-way traffic in the last couple of moments as Rico collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Rico is having a sensational night at San Mames that is for certain. One goal for Betis, however, would send them through.

It doesn't get any easier for Betis after this match as they face Real Madrid in the league at the weekend. Tough times ahead for the Spanish outfit. Betis make their second change with little over 15 minutes remaining as Perquis enters the field in place of Reyes, who has tired in the second period.

Good pressure from Betis in the last couple of moments with Matilla and Castro both having efforts from distance, but neither threatens Iraola in the Bilbao goal. You can just sense the nervousness inside the stadium despite Bilbao leading 2-0. They need another to enjoy a comfortable final 15 minutes or so. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Osasuna and Real Madrid.

Betis make their third and final change of the night as Chuli enters the field in place of Baptistao, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Bilbao have a half-chance moments later following a poor back-pass from Vila, but De Marcos cannot beat Sara to the ball. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

Bilbao make their second change of the match as Benat, who departed Betis in the summer, enters the field in place of Herrera, who receives a warm ovation from the home supporters. Half-chance for Chuli moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Iago.

CHANCE! Ibai comes close to scoring Bilbao's third as he finds himself unmarked on the edge of the Betis box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from the away side in the last couple of moments with Bilbao dominating possession of the ball.

Another half-chance for Bilbao as the referee plays a good advantage with Rico gathering possession on the edge of the box, but his cross is into the arms of Sara. De Marcos threatens in a similar spot moments later, but Caro is on hand to clear. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.

Just a reminder that one goal for Betis at this stage would surely send them into the next round. With the likes of Molina and Castro on the pitch, there is always a chance of something happening. You can just sense the nervousness in the stadium as crosses continue to come into the Bilbao area. Can they hold on?

The conditions are making it difficult for both goalkeepers at the moment as crosses continue to arrive in each box. Betis gain a free kick just inside their own half, which is delivered by Sara, but Laporte rises high to clear. You just get the feeling that there will be one last chance in the final stages.

Bilbao make their third and final change with Rico, who has scored twice this evening, departing the field for Gurpegi, which is not much of a surprise. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.

Chuli takes matters into his own hands as he finds space outside the box before attempting to drift a cross towards the far post, but Iago is on hand to claim at the vital moment. Bilbao are almost there.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to score their third in the latter stages as Benat drives a low cross towards Sola, but Caro makes a fine challenge at the vital moment.

So there we have it. Bilbao book their spot in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Betis. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Osasuna against Real Madrid. Until then!