Madrid  - The United States stayed alive 1-2 on Saturday as the ad hoc doubles pairing of Mike Bryan and Mardy Fish rallied for a desperation 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez in the Davis Cup semi-finals.

But Spain still stand one reverse singles win away on Sunday from a place in a second final since 2004.

Bryan and late substitute Fish kept visiting hopes alive with the victory in just over three hours as Bryan played with someone other than his injured twin brother Nob in Davis Cup for the first time since 2003.

Spain are looking for their first final in the worldwide team competition since beating the Americans in Seville four years ago.

The victors face the winner from Argentina and Russia with the South Americans leading that series in Buenos Aires 2-0.

Rafael Nadal and Davis Ferrer had assured the hosts of the opening day singles on Friday as both posted wins in more than three hours on a court set up inside a Madrid bullring.

Nadal stopped Sam Querrey while Ferrer pulled out a last-gasp win over Andy Roddick to end a nine-match win streak for the top American.

The Spaniards are aiming for their 14 successive winning tie at home and 16th straight on clay.

Fish, to be married at the end of the month to a television model, was drafted into the field after a shoulder injury kept Bob Bryan away.

Lopez and Verdasco failed to break on 10 opportunities, with Bryan and Fish staging a comeback after losing the first set. (dpa)