Athletic Bilbao beat Linares 2-0

Madrid, Dec 4: Last season's finalist Athletic Bilbao began their Copa del Rey campaign with a 2-0 victory over third-tier Linares in the opening leg of Round of 32.

Striker Kike Sola scored Bilbao's first goal in the 12th minute and defender Aymeric Laporte headed in Ander Iturraspe's free-kick to double the lead seven minutes later on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Linares had some good scoring chances in the second half, but goalkeeper Iago Herrerin saved their best opportunity when Ismael Flores fired a shot from close range.

Bilbao, second all time with 23 Cups, lost in last season's final when Barcelona won their record 27th Cup.