Copa del Rey, semi-finals

Osasuna 2 - Recreativo 2

Recreativo Huelva qualified for their first ever cup final after drawing 2-2 on a rainy night at Osasuna's El Sadar stadium. The grandfather of Spanish football had waited 113 years for this moment, although for a few minutes it looked as if they were going to have to wait a little longer. Their two goal lead from the first leg was reduced to nothing by the break, with Aloisi scrambling a goal midway through the first half and Moha adding a second with a long shot on the stroke of half time. However within five minutes of the restart it was all over, Xisco heading Viqueira's pass over Unzué and then setting up Benítez for him to equalise on the night. With away goals counting double the Pamplona based side had to score three more to win, and they virtually gave up the ghost there and then. It was the fourth time in their history that they had failed at this stage of the competition, and the fans traipsed home dejected. Huelva though was one big party. (05.03.03)

Mallorca 1 - Deportivo 1

Mallorca joined Recreativo in the final after knocking out holders Deportivo La Coruña later in the evening, ensuring a new name on the cup this year. Gregorio Manzano's side were defending a 2-3 lead from the first leg, but after a bad run of form in the league they were by no means favourites. For the first twenty minutes the visitors dominated the game, and it was no surprise when Fran opened the scoring after Luque laid the ball across. The home side improved considerably after the break though, and Eto'o could have scored if referee Mejuto González had not pulled him up for a non-existent offside when he got past the defence. Three changes from Irureta early in the second half did nothing to change things, and keeper Juanmi had to tip a Novo shot on to the bar as Mallorca kept up the pressure. Time was running out for the Gallicians, and six minutes from the end Ibagaza delighted the fans with a goal which put the game out of Depor's reach. (05.02.03)