They're human after all. Having swept everything placed infront of them last season, they have fallen at the first hurdle in 2010 after succumbing to an aggregate defeat by Sevilla in the Copa del Rey. The match was an absolute thriller and a firm response to those who proclaimed the cup a dead duck last week when only a total of 90,000 spectators turned up to all the cup ties combined (not enough to fill the Camp Nou). Barca pushed and pushed for the two goals they needed to go through, but a sweet Xavi effort was all they got as they found Spanish number three Andrés Palop in superb form. Ibrahimovic had a shocker, whilst 'Titi' Henry was lucky not to receive a straight red for a disgraceful challenge on Jesus Navas. In fairness, after last season, they was only one way they could go, but so soon?Elsewhere, Real Madrids tormentors Alcorcón bravely bowed out at Racing Santander (who are struggling for dear life to hold onto their teenage star Sergio Canales); Valencia grabbed two early goals that would have seen them through, only to then concede two as Depor secured qualification; Getafe smashed five past a hopeless Málaga side who seemed content to get tie out of the way to concentrate on league affairs; Celta Vigo, the only non top-flight side left in the cup, scored a 90th minute penalty to send Villarreal crashing out, whilst Osasuna got the goal they needed to qualify at Hercules' expense on away goals.
