News Archive

Copa del Rey - third round

The big guns entered the Spanish cup at the third round, with three of the four winning through against second division B opposition (Spain’s third level). Barcelona struggled through before coming from behind to beat Ibiza 1-2 on Wednesday, with Griezmann scoring two late on to take them into the last 16. Real Madrid also had some problems against Unionistas Salamanca, and only two strikes from second half substitute Brahim Díaz gave them a 1-3 win in the end. Gareth Bale returned from injury to open the scoring with a deflected shot, but he hobbled off again after his goal (rumours were that he heard that the hot water in the shower room runs out quickly in this small ground!), and the hosts levelled it before Brahim struck. Meanwhile defending cup champions Valencia won 0-1 at UD Logroñes, Maxi Gómez getting the winner there early on.

The major surprise though came on Thursday, Atlético Madrid losing 2-1 to Cultural Leonesa. Correa gave Simeone’s side the lead on the hour mark, but Castañeda levelled it with seven minutes to go, and Sergio Benito volleyed home the winner in extra time. One other 2B team made it through as well, Badajoz beating Eibar 3-1, and Recreativo and Badalona took Osasuna and Granada to extra time. Elsewhere four second division A teams also won against top flight opposition, Zaragoza beating Mallorca 3-1 on Tuesday, Tenerife winning 2-1 against Valladolid on Wednesday, and Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano knocking out Celta and Betis on Thursday, the former 2-1 after extra time, and the latter 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after the game ended 2-2. The tie between Elche and Athletic Bilbao also went to penalties, the Basque team winning it 4-5 after a 1-1 draw. (23.01.20)