Real Madrid secured their spot in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 victory over Arandina, while Atletico Madrid also advanced with a 3-1 win against Lugo, thanks to a double from Memphis Depay and an early goal from Angel Correa.
Despite being a fourth-division team, Arandina gave Real Madrid a tough challenge, with the defending champions struggling to score in the first half and finding it difficult to bypass goalkeeper Adrian Alvarez.
Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a penalty scored by Joselu, followed by a goal from Brahim Diaz just a minute later. The team also showcased a solid performance, including the debut of Arda Guller, who played for the first time after recovering from multiple injuries.
Brazilian forward Rodrygo sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal for Real Madrid, before Arandina managed to pull one back through an own goal by Nacho.
Atletico Madrid took an early lead against Lugo as Angel Correa scored in the second minute from a pass by Javi Galan. However, Lugo equalised in the 39th minute, before Memphis Depay restored Atletico’s lead with a goal in the 66th minute and sealed the win with his second goal eight minutes later.
Meanwhile, LaLiga’s Alaves caused an upset by defeating Real Betis 1-0, knocking out the 2022 cup champions with a goal from Carlos Benavidez in the 57th minute. This was Betis’ first cup defeat in regular time since 2019.
Girona advanced with a 2-0 win over Elche, with Daley Blind and Yan Couto scoring the goals. Elsewhere, Getafe secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Espanyol, and Rayo Vayecano beat Huesca 2-0 in extra time.
The Copa del Rey action continues with 10 games scheduled for Sunday, including Barcelona’s match against fourth-tier Barbastro. The round of 16 matches will take place on Jan. 17.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina and Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City)
