Atletico Madrid beat Bilbao in Copa de Rey first leg

Madrid, Jan 24 (IANS) A first half header from Atletico Madrid defender Deigo Godin was enough to give his side a 1-0 win over visiting Athletic Club Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie.

Godin got a powerful header on a good cross from Juanfran Torres in the closing minutes of the first half Thursday night to decide what was a disappointing game between two sides in the top-four of the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga, reports Xinhua.

Bilbao failed to clear their lines following a corner and were defending too deep and too narrow, which allowed the Uruguayan to get his head on the ball and decide the game.

It was a match which had kicked off with high expectations, but which delivered few thrills as the home team were content to snuff out any attempt by the visitors to play attacking football.

Atletico also created little in the game, although Diego Costa saw a good chance smothered by Iago Herrerin in the Athletic goal in the first half, while Koke always looked dangerous from set pieces.

In the end the home side deserved their narrow win, but Athletic Club will look to the fact that they are unbeaten in their San Mames Stadium and will have a full house for the return leg.