HIGHLIGHTS | A Tuesday of last-gasp goals

At this festive time of year, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE delivers the Round of 32 as a gift to Spanish football fans. The knockout competition stages its final dance of 2025, with places in the Round of 16 at stake and every team chasing the shared dream of progressing further.

The action got underway on Tuesday with five fixtures that left a lasting impression: goals, drama, quality football and, as always in this competition, a powerful bond between players and supporters. The surprise of the night came at Riazor, where RC Deportivo, appearing in the Round of 32 for the first time in eight years, edged past LaLiga side RCD Mallorca by the narrowest of margins. A late strike from Noé Carrillo sent the entire city of A Coruña into raptures, carrying the Galician side through to the next round and underlining the impressive season they have enjoyed so far.

RC Deportivo return to the Round of 16 eight years later

Elche CF also claimed a 1–0 victory. The Alicante-based side stormed Ipurúa thanks to Adam Boyar’s goal midway through the first half, overcoming a resilient SD Eibar who pushed relentlessly for an equaliser and refused to give in until the final whistle.

Valencia CF recorded a convincing win at El Molinón against Real Sporting, with Dani Raba producing one of the goals of the round to seal the result. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad provided the night’s highest drama in a heart-stopping encounter with CD Eldense, decided in the 97th minute. Pablo Marín struck a dramatic late winner when extra time seemed inevitable.

The curtain on Tuesday’s Copa action was brought down by FC Barcelona. The Catalans faced a CD Guadalajara side that produced an outstanding performance in front of a packed Pedro Escartín and made life extremely difficult for Hansi Flick’s team. Barcelona eventually booked their place in the Round of 16 after a demanding contest that will be remembered with pride in Guadalajara despite the defeat.

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