Light sprinkling of Copa magic
The latest instalment of the Copa del Rey may have been a routine one for many LaLiga clubs, but there was still a light dusting of cup magic over the weekend. Tenerife and Unionistas de Salamanca both got the better of top-flight opposition to keep their cup dreams alive and prevent the competition from becoming a LaLiga exclusive event.
Derby delight
Not only did Tenerife seal their spot in the last 16, but they claimed derby bragging rights in the process. Their rivals, Las Palmas, may have run Barcelona close in their most recent league outing, but they were no match for their Segunda División opponents on Sunday. Two goals in the opening quarter ultimately proved decisive in a game where both teams finished with 10 men in true derby fashion.
Villarreal left in the dark
Those who were desperate for a major upset had to remain patient, as Unionistas’ clash with Villarreal left the audience on a tantalising cliffhanger – albeit an unintentional one. Marcelino’s charges thought they had booked their place in the next round when Ilias Akhomach broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute. However, rather than being the end of the tale, Akhomach’s unstoppable effort lit the blue touch paper for a remarkable conclusion.
Alfred Planas kept his cool from the penalty spot to restore parity within three minutes of his arrival. However, just as the tide turned in Unionistas’ favour, the game was postponed until Monday due to floodlight failure. When extra-time eventually kicked off, no side could find a winner, ensuring the lottery of penalties was required. The third-tier outfit ultimately won the battle of nerves to prevail 7-6 and advance to the last 16, making them the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.
More woes for Pellegrini and co
Betis were the third top-flight casualty of the round of 32 as they lost out to fellow LaLiga side Deportivo Alavés. Uruguayan midfielder Carlos Benavidez netted his first-ever Copa del Rey goal to eliminate the 2021/22 winners. A cup exit may be disappointing, but Manuel Pellegrini’s biggest concern will be the fact his side are now winless in six matches, while their only win in their last nine games took place against fourth-tier Villanovense.
Safely through
The remaining 14 La Liga teams may have secured their passage to the last 16, but there were a number of close-fought encounters. Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna needed an additional 30 minutes to beat Huesca and Castellón respectively. Valencia, who lifted the trophy in 2019, also required extra time to get the better of 10-man Cartagena after falling behind in the fourth minute.
Barcelona booked their place in the next round, but their wait for a sizeable win goes on. With Sunday’s clash against Barbastro producing a 3-2 scoreline, Barça have now seen each of their last 12 victories won by just a single goal. As for the holders Real Madrid, they eased to a 3-1 victory over Arandina in a game where summer signing Arda Güler made his long-awaited debut.
What next?
The Copa del Rey will now quickly move on, with the round of 16 set to take place next week. Unionistas have been handed a dream tie against Barcelona, while a Madrid derby will take place at the Metropolitano. Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will face fellow Basque sides Alavés and Osasuna respectively.
Two island teams will go head-to-head when Tenerife play host to Mallorca. Sevilla boss Quique Sánchez Flores will attempt to get the better of his former employers Getafe, while Celta Vigo head coach Rafael Benítez will return to Valencia – a club where he lifted two league titles and a UEFA Cup. There will be another reunion when Rayo Vallecano travel to Montilivi to face a Girona side led by Rayo legend, Míchel. The storylines are all there, let’s hope the action can now deliver.