The Spanish cup reverted to it's usual format of matches over two legs at the third round stage. Barcelona are favourites after beating second division B side Torrelavega 0-1. Rivaldo came on at half time to score the only goal of the game, which was played in a mud-bath of a pitch. Espanyol also look in a good position to go through after drawing 1-1 at Extremadura. Serrano scored for the visitors but Kalla equalised in the second half. Espanyol finished the game with nine men after Toledo and Pochettino were sent off.

In the only all first division tie, Racing Santander surprised a depleted Athletic Bilbao with two goals in the first half from Del Horno (own goal) and Preciado to win 2-0, and Celta's new signing Berizzo scored the winner against Leganés after Morales had levelled an early strike from Tomás. In the all second division B match, Andalucian neighbours Gaudix and Granada drew 0-0.

A full strength Mallorca gave Tenerife no chance, taking a two goal lead in the first half hour through Basavilbaso (own goal) and Eto'o, and Zaragoza completed a good day for first division teams with a 2-3 victory at Murcia, with goals by Tonelotto and Luis Gil at the beginning and the end of the game for the home side, and Aragón, José Ignacio and Juanele scoring in a fifteen minute period in the second half. Atlético Madrid play Rayo Vallecano tomorrow. (10.01.01).

Atlético Madrid and Rayo Vallecano drew 2-2 in the Madrid derby played on Thursday night. Atlético took a two goal lead within the first 25 minutes, both goals coming from Salva. However Hernández was sent off three minutes later for a second bookable offence leaving the home side with ten men, and Quevedo pulled one back for Rayo against the run of play after the break. With seven minutes to go Lopetegui denied Salva his hat-trick with a great penalty save, and De Quintana levelled the scores minutes later. (11.01.01).