Copa América
Copa América
Athletic Bilbao ease past Linares, win Copa del Rey opener
Published
Dec. 3, 2015 6:34 p.m. ET
foxsports
BARCELONA
Spain - Last season's finalist Athletic Bilbao began its Copa del Rey campaign with a 2-0 win at third-division side Linares in the opening leg of the round of 32 on Thursday.
Little-used 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. Outplayed until after halftime, Linares mustered four good scoring chances in the second half, but goalkeeper Iago Herrerin saved its best opportunity when Ismael Flores fired a shot from close range with four minutes to play.
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Bilbao, second all time with 23 cups, lost in last season's final when Barcelona won its record 27th cup.
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