Copa del Rey Delivers Another Night of Surprises

The Copa del Rey MAPFRE continued to thrill football fans on the second day of the Round of 32, as Wednesday delivered seven more tickets to the last 16, joining Elche CF, RC Deportivo, Real Sociedad, Valencia CF and FC Barcelona.

The action kicked off in northern Spain, in the historic Kingdom of León. Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa got the night off to a flying start by producing the first upset, eliminating LaLiga side Levante UD thanks to a decisive goal from Rafa Tresaco.

The second surprise came courtesy of Real Racing Club, who knocked out Champions League outfit Villarreal CF. A brace from Arana sent El Sardinero into raptures. The Yellow Submarine pushed hard after the break, but only Ayoze managed to find the net.

Atlético de Madrid also secured their place in the Round of 16 against Atlético Baleares. Antoine Griezmann stole the show with a brace, added to by a Raspadori goal. The hosts never gave up, pulling one back through Gerardo Bonet and later converting a penalty via Keita to make it 2–3, but Atlético held on.

CyD Leonesa, Real Racing Club and Albacete Balompié all advanced after defeating top-flight opposition.

A thrilling clash between SD Huesca and CA Osasuna went all the way to extra time. After finishing level at 1–1 in regulation time and trading goals again in the first period of extra time, fatigue began to tell on the hosts. Budimir capitalised with a brace, adding to Raúl García’s two goals to seal qualification for the Pamplona side.

A magical performance from Jesús Vallejo proved decisive for Albacete Balompié. The hosts took the lead against RC Celta de Vigo, only to see the visitors turn the game around. When elimination seemed inevitable, Vallejo struck in the 93rd minute to force extra time. With no further goals, the tie was decided on penalties. Celta failed to convert any of their spot kicks, while Antonio Puertas, Riki Rodríguez and Vallejo were flawless from the spot.

Deportivo Alavés and Sevilla FC contested the only all–LaLiga matchup of the round. Home advantage played its part as Alavés claimed victory thanks to a penalty converted by Carlos Vicente.

Real Madrid CF also progressed after taking care of business. Leading 0–2 at the break, they saw Nahuel Arroyo pull one back with ten minutes remaining. Kylian Mbappé restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion in the 88th minute, before Di Renzo added a late consolation goal for the hosts.

VIEW THE OFFICIAL MATCH REPORTS FOR ALL FIXTURES