Real Madrid Advances in Copa del Rey with 3-1 Victory Over Arandina

Madrid: Real Madrid, the defending Copa del Rey champions, secured their spot in the tournament’s last 16 with a 3-1 victory over fourth-tier Arandina on Saturday.

Despite facing an opponent three levels below them, Real Madrid struggled in the first half and entered halftime with a 0-0 scoreline, despite dominating possession with over 80 percent against an Arandina side that failed to register a shot on goal, according to Xinhua.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 54th minute through a Joselu penalty, awarded after the referee judged Brahim Diaz to have been fouled inside the area. Brahim doubled Madrid’s lead just a minute later, virtually sealing the tie. Rodrigo added a third in the closing minutes, but Arandina managed a late consolation when Nacho scored an own goal in injury time.

In addition to the victory, Real Madrid welcomed the debut of Arda Guler, who finally made an appearance after overcoming a series of injuries in the first half of the season.

Girona also advanced to the last-16 with a 2-0 victory over Elche, while Atletico Madrid secured a 3-1 win away against RFEF I (third tier) Lugo, with Memphis Depay scoring twice.

Deportivo Alaves claimed victory in the only all-top-flight encounter, defeating 2022 Cup winners Betis 1-0, thanks to Carlos Benavidez’s goal in the 56th minute. Other results included Getafe winning a 1-0 match against Espanyol, and Rayo Vallecano securing a 2-0 victory over Huesca in extra time.