On Saturday, defending champions Real Madrid beat fourth-tier Arandina 3-1 to go to the round of 16.
Real Betis were eliminated in a 1-0 loss to Alaves, but Atletico Madrid advanced with a 3-1 victory against third-tier Lugo, thanks to two goals from Memphis Depay.
Pleasant Surprise Girona defeated Elche, a team from the second level, 2-0 to clinch the La Liga championship.
Although Arandina put up a good fight in the first half, Joselu scored a penalty for Madrid to take the lead early in the second half. Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes later added to Madrid’s advantage.
In the 94th minute, Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez scored a consolation goal for Arandina—much to the joy of the 6,000 or so fans present at the El Montecillo stadium.
According to Joselu, who spoke to television station La 1, Real Madrid must win in every stadium, no matter how difficult the game or the surface.
“It was a bit harder than normal, but we are happy with the win and getting into the next round.”
In a first half that was unexpectedly equal, Arandina frustrated Madrid in the region of Castile and Leon, north of Madrid, Spain.
After Eduardo Camavinga’s recovery from a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for almost two months, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti began him.
Aside from that, the Italian mostly used young and reserve players; for example, Arda Guler, a Turkish playmaker who joined Madrid from Fenerbahce this summer, made his debut.
During the first half, Guler had more opportunities than anybody else to score, as he had a rasping free-kick that hit the post and had plenty of room to run.
The talent of the player was evident in the first half, and Ancelotti told reporters that they should be patient with him.
“He has to improve his phyisque and intensity, he has personality and character.”
Penalty discovery
After a great run by Diaz was intercepted by Zazu in the penalty area, Madrid grabbed the lead early in the second half thanks to a penalty that Joselu converted with a solid, low shot.
Shortly thereafter, Diaz converted a loose ball into his own net, beating Arandina goalie Adrian Alvarez.
In stoppage time, substitute Rodrygo scored the third goal following a cross by Diaz after Joselu had a great opportunity to double Madrid’s advantage.
Nacho scored the game-winning goal for Arandina in stoppage time when he headed Raly Cabral’s cross into his own net, a reward for their valiant effort.
After Lugo pulled the visitors level at halftime, Depay struck twice to put Atletico through.
With a goal from Angel Correa, who finished off a cross from Javi Galan, Atletico seized the lead in the second minute.
But Puerto Rican attacker Leandro Antonetti crashed into the area and finished with style, limiting the visitors’ chances.
Midway through the second half, Atletico seized the lead via Depay, and Diego Simeone substituted Antoine Griezmann at halftime in an effort to prevent an upset.
The forward raced into the penalty area, found space, and slammed the ball home. He then added a second goal not long after with a brilliant clipped finish from a cross by Marcos Llorente.
“The team came out well after the break and in general had a good second half and were fair winners,” said Simeone.
Barbastro will be hosting Barcelona, who have won the Copa a record 31 times, on Sunday.