Real Madrid cantered past Alcoyano, but there was plenty of drama elsewhere in tonight's Copa del Rey last 32 first legs.

Real are practically assured of their place in the last 16 after a 4-1 win over Segunda Division B outfit Alcoyano. Criticised for not playing enough cantera products recently, Jose Mourinho started a number of them at the tiny Estadio El Callao, including brothers Nacho and Alex Fernandez.

Karim Benzema nodded in from close range to break the deadlock and Kaka fired in a low left shot to make it 2-0 at the break.

Midfielder Jose Rodriguez – aged just 17 – scored the third with a lovely curling finish, and although Javi Lara gave the locals something to cheer about by scoring direct from a free kick , the outstanding Benzema wrapped things up for Los Blancos after a neat one two with Alvaro Morata.

Malaga, who had conceded just five goals in La Liga all season and none in the Champions League, conceded three to little Cacereno, but eventually prevailed in Extremadura. The third tier minnows fought back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 at half time with goals from Jaraiz and Chapi, but Manuel Pellegrini's side ran out 4-3 winners thanks to Oguchi Onyewu, a Dudu penalty and a Roque Santa Cruz brace.

Atletico Madrid chalked up their 13th win on the bounce in all competitions but got on their way against Andalusians Real Jaen with a controversial decision, Diego Costa converting from the spot after Jaen's Dani Torres was sent off for handball. A Rojiblancos XI featuring Thibaut Courtois and Gabi coasted to a 3-0 victory with further goals contributed by Adrian and Raul Garcia.

Real Zaragoza got the better of the only all La Liga clash of the night at La Romareda, defeating Granada 1-0 with Carlos Aranda the scorer.

Celta Vigo and Rayo Vallecano have work to do in their second legs after falling foul of Segunda Division opponents.

Jonathan Zungo and Abel Molinero scored as Almeria – relegated from La Liga just a year and a half ago – beat 10 man Celta 2-0, whilst Rayo fell to a 1-0 defeat to Las Palmas in the capital of the Canary Islands, Espanyol owned youngster Thievy Bifouma netting the winner.
 

Tags Alcoyano Cacereno Real Jaen
La Liga - Club News