Sports

Third-tier giantkillers Mirandes face a big cat problem in the semifinal of the King's Cup on Tuesday when they travel to the intimidating San Mames to play Athletic Club Bilbao, known as The Lions.

The Basques, sixth in La Liga, can look to powerful Spain striker Fernando Llorente, who has returned from injury scoring six times in three games. He netted both goals in their 2-1 first leg win in Miranda de Ebro last week. The burly Spain striker nodded home a fine Oscar De Marcos centre for a 17th-minute lead and doubled the lead when he drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Mirandes, who have an annual budget of just over 1.2 million euros compared to the 60 million euros or so at Athletic Club Bilbao's disposal, came out fighting in the second half. Mujika clipped the top of the crossbar in the 64th minute. Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz pulled off a brilliant save from Alvaro Corral's volley 15 minutes from time as the home side pressed forward.

Their efforts were finally rewarded in the first minute of added time when Ander Lambarri drove an angled shot into the far corner.

The eventual winners will play 25-times Cup winners Barcelona or Valencia in the King's Cup final.

Mirandes are only the second club from the Segunda B to have reached the last four of the competition in its current format. Having disposed of La Liga clubs Villarreal, Racing Santander and Espanyol in previous rounds, the lowly club from Miranda de Ebro are dreaming of a final against Barcelona or Valencia.