Madrid  - Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca forced their way into the semi-finals of the Spanish King's Cup on Wednesday, edging out Sporting Gijon and Betis in the quarters.

Bilbao battled out a 2-1 comeback win in Gijon, who had played out a 0-0 draw in Bilbao last week.

Carmelo gave Gijon the lead after just 30 seconds with a fierce drive, after good work by Diego Castro.

But Bilbao took control in midfield and levelled in the 43rd minute. Spain striker Fernando Llorente won the ball in the air and set up veteran Igor Gabilondo to make it 1-1 with an elegant chip.

Seven minutes into the second half, Bilbao's David Lopez killed the tie off by heading in a precise centre from Pablo Orbaiz. This meant that Gijon needed two more goals, a feat that was clearly beyond them.

"We reacted really well to their goal," said Gabilondo, "and were really in control for most of the match."

In Seville, meanwhile, solid Mallorca were playing out a 0-0 draw away to uninspired Betis.

Betis enjoyed 59 per cent of possession, but lacked craft and imagination in attack.

Mallorca go into the semis on a 1-0 aggregate, since they beat Betis by that score in Palma last week.

The elimination could be the final nail in the coffin of Betis coach Paco Chaparro, whose team are fifth from bottom in La Liga.

The other quarter-final second leg clashes will be played on Thursday.

League leaders Barcelona need to beat crosstown rivals Epanyol at home, after being held to a 0-0 draw away last week.

Holders Valencia, for their part, go to Seville to face Sevilla with a narrow 3-2 lead after the first leg. dpa