Bilbao out; Racing, Getafe and Mallorca march on: Copa del Rey Round-up




Last years losing finalists, Athletic Bilbao, fell at the first hurdle in this years Copa del Rey, as Rayo Vallecano secured a 2-2 draw at the San Mames which took them through the next round. Bilbao's bigman Fernando Llorente had several opportunities to open the scoring, but when he did find the target, he found Rayo keeper Dani in fine form. Llorente did eventually open the scoring, with a firm header from a Susaeta cross, and the comeback looked on. Yet goals for Rayo in the 71st and 77th minute, which sandwiched a goal for Javi Martinez, completed a fantastic result for the second division team, who must now harbour serious hopes of challenging for promotion to La Liga this season.

Racing Santander managed to overcome their little cup dilemma, and shook off the sacking of manager Mandiá on monday to stick four past Salamanca. The second division side opened the scoring in the 21st minute, before Santander's Burundi striker Tchité got them back in the tie with two goals before half time. He later forced an own goal before teammate Xisco clinched their passage to the next round with the final goal in the 74th minute.

Copa del Rey Results (Round of 32) 10.11.09: (Aggregate score)

Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Rayo (2-4) Rayo Vallecano through

Mallorca 1-0 Valladolid (2-2) Mallorca through on away goals rule

Racing Santander 4-1 Salamanca (4-2) Racing Santander through

Espanyol 1-1 Getafe (1-3) Getafe through

Almería - Hercules (Thursday, 9pm)