There were four matches in the Copa del Rey last night and La Liga Blog, your first stop for all the latest Spanish football news, brings you the details here.
AD Alcorcon 1-0 Espanyol
The Madrid based minnows Alcorcon made light of their Segunda Division form, they are currently in a lowly sixteenth position, by taking a one nil victory over Espanyol in the first leg of this round of 16 match. The goal was scored by second half substitute Dani Pacheco, once of Liverpool, but they will have it all to do on their return leg in Barcelona next week.
Real Betis 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Real Betis, at the foot of the Primera Division, pulled off a shock one nil victory over fourth placed Athletic. Ruben Castro scored the goal shortly before half time and despite an increased effort from Athletic after the interval they were able to maintain their advantage. Athletic must still be favourites to progress to the round of 8 however.
Barcelona 4-0 Getafe
Barcelona ran out convincing four nil winners last night but the main story wasn’t the match itself but the return of their superstar talisman Lionel Messi from injury. The little maestro didn’t disappoint in his half hour cameo – you can read more here: http://www.laligablog.com/2014/01/09/messi-returns-with-a-bang/
Racing Santander 1-1 UD Almeria
Racing are sitting on top of their league – but as they are currently in the third tier of Spanish football it was a shock that they managed a draw against La Liga opposition. Almeria looked to be making their superior talents pay. They went into the break with a deserved lead thanks to a goal from midfielder Miguel Angel Corona. Things unravelled for Almeria in the second half. Racing equalised on 65 minutes through substitute David Concha and then Almeria were reduced to ten men when Jonathan Sundy Zongo was shown the red card. With eight minutes remaining at the time Racing were unable to make use of their numerical advantage and Almeria should secure a comfortable victory in the return leg on Tuesday.
