Last night’s major Cup upset in Spain saw La Liga side Alaves knocked out by lowly 2nd division Murcia, who advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory.
Murcia went in to the game with plenty of confidence having destroyed Las Palmas 6-1 at the weekend.
The first leg of the tie had ended scoreless, and indeed the crowds had to wait until 53 minutes of last night’s game to witness a goal. For the few Murcia supporters who had made the trip itwas worth the wait.
David Karanka, on loan from Atletico Bilbao, stunned Alaves with the first. Ruben Navarro restored parity on 71 minutes. But Alaves’ form, which sees them lie sixteenth in the league – dangerously close to the relegation zone – continues to haunt them and they were undone just 6 minutes later. Josep Selvalls scored the winner to earn a remarkable victory. Alaves’ miserable season continues.
Real Vallodolid and Real Mallorca took part in one of two all-Primera Division clashes, providing lots of goals for the visitors and a lesson in how not to defend from the hosts. Mallorca, in contention for a Champions League spot – they lie three points off 3rd place in the table – raced away to a 4-1 away win, winning the tie 6-3 overall. A decisive attacking display was capped by a fantastic hat trick from front man Carlos in the first half-hour.
Meanwhile, rock bottom of La Liga, Recreativo Huelva eased the pressure with a 1-0 win at home to gain a place in the quarter-final, ending Real Betis’ chances of a trophy this season. The only goal of the tie came from Raul Molina 7 minutes from time.
There were no surprises in the other games of the round: Cup holders Deportivo La Coruna were comfortable 4-1 winners at home to Alicante (5-2 agg.); Atletico Madrid overcame 2nd division Xerez; Osasuna knocked out 3rd division RealUnion de Irun and Numancia lost to Sevilla.
