Evening all! Our Copa del Rey last-16 coverage continues this evening as Real Betis welcome Athletic Bilbao. Betis enter the match off the back of a goalless draw with Real Valladolid at the weekend, with that result leaving them bottom of the table. Bilbao, meanwhile, remain fourth in La Liga despite losing to Basque rivals Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.

So there we have it. Much-changed Betis XI this evening with the likes of Jose Caro, Joan Verdu, Cedrick Mabwati and Chuli all starting. Bilbao, meanwhile, have Kike Sola available after a long-term injury. Erik Moran, Benat and Ibai Gomez are among the squad players that are selected by Ernesto Valverde.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Betis have won three of the last five matches, with Bilbao winning once and the further match ending in a draw. As mentioned, Bilbao were 2-1 winners at San Mames in the league earlier this season, but the La Liga clash in this stadium last season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Just two league wins for Betis this season have left the club bottom of La Liga on 11 points. They are now five points from safety, but are expected to make a number of new signings this month. Both of their successes this season have come on their own patch, but they have scored just 15 times in the league, which is the joint-worst record in the division.

However, Betis 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.

Bilbao, meanwhile, are enjoying a successful campaign. They did lose 2-0 to Real Sociedad in La Liga at the weekend, but a total of 33 points from their 18 matches has left them in fourth position. They have won 10 of their 18 league games this season, drawing three times and losing five – all of which have been on the road.

Bilbao’s away record in La Liga this season is fairly patchy with three wins, one draw and five defeats, conceding 15 times in the process. However, they have been in sensational form at San Mames, with seven wins and two defeats from their nine matches. They are one of just three teams – the others being Atletico Madrid and Barcelona – not to lose at home in the league this season.

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. The Basque outfit were paired with fellow La Liga side Celta Vigo in the fourth round this season, but triumphed courtesy of a 4-1 aggregate win.

PREDICTION: Neither side are at full strength this evening, with a number of squad players handed the opportunity to impress. I am not predicting an open affair due to the nature of the two-legged tie, but I expect both teams to score. I am going to sit on the fence for this one and back a 1-1 draw in Seville.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining Copa del Rey affair. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.

Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, which is not much of a surprise, but there is a strong atmosphere. Not too much to report in the early exchanges with both sides attempting to settle in possession. It is imperative that Betis keep this crowd behind them in the early stages of proceedings. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided with the second leg to come next week.

It's good work from Ibai Gomez as the Bilbao winger finds some space down the left before delivering a cross towards Sola, but Caro is on hand to clear the danger. Just a few nervous moments for the home side as Bilbao continue to enjoy more of the ball. Gurpegi has a sight of goal following a corner, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Erik Moran collects a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is straight at Andersen from close range. Betis break down the other end with Nono, but Gurpegi is across to clear the danger. Bright opening six minutes to this Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Kike Sola will be keen to impress this evening on just his second appearance of the season for Bilbao. The striker joined from Osasuna in the summer, but has struggled for fitness thus far. Bilbao continue to enjoy much of the possession inside the early stages, with Betis too often running down blind alleys in the final third.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for Bilbao as Gurpegi meets a corner from Susaeta, but his header is cleared off the line by Salva Sevilla. The away side could be 2-0 ahead in the opening 10 minutes. Betis continue to struggle to defend set pieces.

The home supporters are in fine voice at the moment as their side enjoys a positive period. Mabwati causes concern on the break, but he cannot find the run of Chuli at the vital moment. The pressure continues with Verdu, but Gurpegi is across to clear the danger. Plenty happening with 12 minutes on the clock in Seville.

Chuli continues to play on the shoulder of the Bilbao defence, but the service has not been there for the Spanish striker thus far. Bilbao break down the other end moments later, but Sola is crowded out at the vital moment. The two best chances have fallen the way of Bilbao inside 14 minutes here. However, still goalless.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Bilbao dominated the early stages, but Betis are warming to their task. You just get the feeling that they need to take a lead into the second leg next week if they are to advance into the semi-finals.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao as Ibai delivers a sensational cross into the Betis box, but Sola can only turn his effort wide of the post from close range. All of the opportunities have fallen the way of the visitors. Still goalless after 19 minutes of Copa del Rey football. Betis' problems in defence continue.

Nervy moment for Iago as the Bilbao goalkeeper struggles to clear a back-pass from San Jose, but the Spaniard does manage to force it clear under pressure from Chuli. Ibai delivers another low cross into the Betis box moments later, but Sola cannot turn towards goal under pressure from Jose Caro.

Ibai delivers another deep cross into the Betis box from the right, but Andersen is on hand to collect at the vital moment. The away side continue to pass and probe outside the Betis area, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this evening.

It's good work from Sola as the Bilbao forward beats two men down the right before settling in possession just outside the box, but his cross is wasteful. Betis are allowing the away side an incredible amount of room in and around their area. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in this Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Half-chance for Bilbao as Ibai finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but Andersen just manages to push it clear of the area with Sola in close proximity. The home supporters remain in good voice, but their side are struggling in the final third.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as both sides continue to struggle to find that elusive pass in the final third. Bilbao remain a threat in wide areas, but the delivery has been short of the required quality thus far. Meanwhile, we have seen little from the likes of Chuli and Mabwati for Betis.

CHANCE! Another terrific chance for the away side as Susaeta finds Sola inside the box, but Jordi is on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered by Benat, but Andersen is on hand to collect. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

The chances continue to fall for Bilbao and in particular Sola as the striker meets another cross from the left, but he can only flick his header wide of the post. How on earth is this match still goalless? Betis are yet to really test Iago after 34 minutes, but their supporters remain in good voice.

CHANCE! Oh my word what a miss! Incredible chance for the home side as Castro rounds Iago before putting it on a plate for Mabwati, but he slices wide in front of an open goal. That is a quite sensational miss. Betis simply have to take those kind of opportunities.

Opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a free kick as Susaeta is felled by Sevilla down the right. The resulting set piece is delivered by Benat, but Mabwati is on hand to clear the danger. It falls to San Jose, but his effort is straight at the Betis goalkeeper.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come at San Mames next week. However, you do get the feeling that Betis need to take a lead into the match based on Bilbao's stunning home form this season. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, with Bilbao still threatening in wide areas.

CHANCE! It's wonderful work from Chuli as the Betis forward drops his shoulder inside the Bilbao box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but Iago is on hand to make a fine save. Betis threaten from the resulting corner, but San Jose beats Nono in the air.

Betis take the lead in the latter stages of the first period as Castro turns in Juanfran's cross from close range. Fantastic cross, brilliant header. Betis lead against the run of play in Seville.

That is Castro's first goal since the end of August. This stadium has erupted. Bilbao have been the better side, but have been unable to find the back of the net thus far. Betis are intent on making it 2-0 as they flood forward in the final minute of the half.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Betis leading by that Castro header late in the first period. Bilbao have had a number of opportunities, but have been unable to find the back of the net thus far. Sola in particular has been guilty of missing a number of clear chances.

STATISTICS: Bilbao have dominated the possession with 59%, while they have had 12 attempts to Betis' six. In addition, Bilbao have hit the target on six occasions. The scoreline of 1-0 does not tell the whole story. In truth, it could have been 3-3 with Mabwati guilty of missing an open goal for Betis in the latter stages of the half.

BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Jorge Molina, Javi Chica and Reyes. Meanwhile, Bilbao have the likes of Toquero, De Marcos, Muniain and Herrera on a talented bench. It would not be a surprise to see changes from the away side at the interval.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Getafe - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway in Seville.

No changes for either side at the interval. However, I expect that both managers will think about altering proceedings if the score remains the same in around 20 minutes time. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Surely Bilbao will take a chance if they match their attacking play from the first period.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Cedrick delivers a sensational cross into the Bilbao box, but Castro blocks his own teammate's shot on the line. Cedrick has an opportunity from outside the area moments later, but his effort is blocked. Betis should be 2-0 ahead after 50 minutes. Bilbao have not yet emerged in the second period.

Half-chance for Bilbao this time as Ibai delivers a low cross into the Betis box, but Nacho is across to clear at the vital moment. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Cedrick's pass causing all sorts of problems to Bilbao. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as Verdu looks for Castro inside the box, but it just runs away from the striker at the vital moment.

I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening with the way that both sides are continuing to attack. Bilbao have just started to play their way into the second period, but twice in quick succession Sola is caught offside. Little over 35 minutes of the first leg remaining. Still Betis lead courtesy of that Castro header.

We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Both teams have a number of attacking options in reserve. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the end-to-end period of the match continues. It has been an incredibly open Copa del Rey encounter.

Half-chance for Bilbao as Benat finds some space inside the Betis box, but Caro is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards Sola, but Caro clears the danger once more. Meanwhile, it appears that Bilbao are preparing to make their first change of the match.

Double change for the away side as Herrera and Muniain replace Susaeta and Rico, which is not much of a surprise. Cedrick's pace continues to cause problems to Bilbao, but he cannot deliver under pressure from San Jose. The end-to-end period of the match continues with 62 minutes on the clock. Still no movement on the Betis bench.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. You just get the feeling that Bilbao are close to a goal, meanwhile, as they continue to force the issue in the final third. Ibai has an effort on goal from close range, but Andersen is equal to the danger.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Sola as the Bilbao forward advances into the Betis box, but he just drags his effort wide of the post. Muniain was available for the tap-in, but Sola decided to try his luck. Moments later, the home side make their first change with Molina replacing Cedrick.

Half-chance for Betis as Chuli collects a loose pass outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. How on earth has there been just one goal this evening? It could honestly be about 5-5 with the number of clear opportunities. Little over 20 minutes of the second period remaining in Seville.

Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Getafe. Lionel Messi is indeed on the bench for the Copa del Rey last-16 tie. Back to this one - Bilbao continue to pass and probe outside the Betis box. Another deep cross comes in from Muniain, but Nacho is on hand to clear the danger.

Another half-chance for Chuli as the Betis forward finds some space inside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Iago is on hand to make the save. The home side make their second change of the match moments later as defensive midfielder Reyes enters in place of Chuli. Little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao continue to force the issue in wide areas. In truth, a 1-0 defeat would not be the worst result for Bilbao ahead of the second leg. Just a reminder that both managers have one permitted change remaining if they wish to alter proceedings in the latter stages.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Nacho delivers a deep free kick into the Bilbao box, but Iago is on hand to collect. He immediately releases Muniain down the other end, but the Spaniard is challenged by Jordi. End-to-end football in Seville.

Bilbao make their third and final change of the evening as Oscar de Marcos enters in place of Benat, who has impressed this evening. The Spaniard also receives a terrific ovation from the home supporters. Right, little over 10 minutes remaining with Betis still leading by the single goal. Is there to be late drama in the first leg?

San Jose picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on Sevilla as the referee continues to become involved as the second period gathers pace. It must be said that the home supporters have been sensational this evening. The deafening noise has been apparent from the first minute. Caro almost scores an own goal for Betis moments later following a cross from De Marcos, but he just manages to turn it behind his own goal.

Betis make their third and final change of the evening with Sevilla departing the field for Ignacio, who is highly-regarded at the Spanish outfit. A deep corner from Verdu arrives in the Bilbao box moments later, but Iago is on hand to claim under pressure from Molina.

It just isn't happening for Bilbao at the moment as the ball continues to fall for a green and white shirt inside the box. The number of crosses they have put into the area has been just remarkable. You just get the feeling that there will be one last big chance. Sola has had enough opportunities to score five times this evening.

Betis just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the away side continue to pass and probe in the final third. Muniain manages to find some space outside the area before sliding a pass towards Sola, but Nacho is on hand to clear up. As it stands, Bilbao have had 66% of the possession, but are leaving with nothing.

POST! Wonderful chance for Bilbao as Sola advances into the Betis box before smashing one towards the bottom corner, but it strikes the foot of the post. How many chances has he missed this evening? Just incredible.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Betis as they continue to clear the danger. They are closing in on a first leg win against Bilbao.

So there we have it. Castro's first-half header is enough to hand Betis a 1-0 win in the first leg. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Getafe. Until then!