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Copa del Rey Shocks: How Bilbao and Betis Survived Amid Top-Flight Casualties

Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis have both booked their places in the Copa del Rey last 16, but they had to work for it. Bilbao needed extra time to get past a stubborn Ourense side, while Betis ground out a 2-0 win away at Real Murcia. In a major upset, La Liga's Getafe were knocked out by second-division Burgos, continuing a trend of top-flight casualties. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid have also progressed, setting up an intriguing next round.

Key Points: Athletic Bilbao Betis Reach Copa del Rey Last 16 After Tough Tests

  • Athletic Bilbao needed extra time to defeat third-tier Ourense with a 107th-minute volley
  • Betis secured a 2-0 win at Real Murcia via a penalty and an own goal
  • Getafe became the latest La Liga casualty, losing 3-1 to Burgos in a shock result
  • Several top-flight sides like Sevilla and Villarreal have already been eliminated this round
2 min read

Athletic Bilbao, Betis move into Copa del Rey last 16

Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis advance to the Copa del Rey last 16 after hard-fought away wins, while Getafe falls in a round of upsets.

"Ourense, which had already knocked out Oviedo and Girona, again proved awkward opposition on a pitch badly affected by torrential rain. - Xinhua"

Madrid, Dec 19

Athletic Bilbao and Betis reached the Copa del Rey last 16 after tough away tests, while Getafe became the latest top-flight casualty in a round of shocks.

Athletic Bilabao needed extra time to see off third-tier Ourense, with Mikel Jauregizar deciding the contest with a precise volley in the 107th minute. Ourense, which had already knocked out Oviedo and Girona, again proved awkward opposition on a pitch badly affected by torrential rain.

Betis also had to work hard away to third-tier Real Murcia before winning 2-0 through Cucho Hernandez's penalty and an 85th-minute own goal by Murcia's Diego Pineiro.

Cucho Hernandez gave the Verdiblancos the lead in the first half from the penalty spot, while an own goal by Diego Piñeiro in the closing stages sealed the result.

Meanwhile, Getafe began well at Burgos, taking the lead in the 32nd minute when Alex Sancris powered in after a corner. Burgos hit back in first-half stoppage time as David Gonzalez equalised from the penalty spot.

Inigo Cordoba then struck twice after the break, finding space behind the Getafe back line to put Burgos 3-1 ahead. Getafe had a late chance to revive the tie, but Borja Mayoral missed a penalty, reports Xinhua.

FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have also progressed to the last 16, but top-flight sides Celta Vigo, Mallorca, Levante, Villarreal and Sevilla have all been eliminated in this round.

Real Madrid had edged into the fourth round of the Copa del Rey after a nervy 3-2 away win over third-tier Talavera.

Atletico Madrid reached the last 16 despite coach Diego Simeone rotating his squad in a 3-2 away win over third-tier Atletico Baleares.

Rayo Vallecano will play its tie at Granada on January 6 after Thursday's 3-0 Conference League win over Drita Gjilan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see so many La Liga teams struggling against third-tier sides. The conditions in Ourense sound brutal with that rain. Respect to Athletic Bilbao for grinding it out in extra time. The magic of the cup is universal!
A
Arjun K
As an Indian football fan, I wish our tournaments had this level of excitement and giant-killing potential. The Federation Cup used to have some of this magic. Kudos to teams like Burgos! The big three (Barca, Madrid, Atleti) progressing as usual, of course.
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Priyanka N
Sevilla, Villarreal out already? That's a huge shock! This is why cup competitions are the best. It's not just about the big budgets. Heartbreak for Getafe with that missed penalty at the death. Feel for Mayoral.
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Michael C
A respectful criticism: The article jumps around a bit between matches. It would be clearer with a more structured match-by-match breakdown. Still, great to see the results. Betis getting the job done professionally.
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Kavya N
Cucho Hernandez on the scoresheet! Always happy to see him do well. The own goal to seal it for Betis is tough for Murcia. These away games at smaller grounds in bad weather are a real test of character. The last 16 should be fantastic! 🔥

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