Copa del Rey wrap: New lows for Atletico, Villarreal

December 22, 2011 admin Copa del Rey

Atletico Madrid and Villarreal have both crashed out of the Copa del Rey after being upset by Segunda B opposition on Wednesday.

Atletico suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Albacete, with the La Liga outfit unable to ease the pressure on embattled coach Gregorio Manzano.

Victor Curto’s goal just 20 seconds into the match was enough to secure a 3-1 aggregate win for the minnows.

In another massive upset, Villarreal lost 2-0 to Mirandes at El Madrigal, handing the Segunda B club a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

Mirandes squandered the opportunity to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty, only for Ramon Borrell to see his penalty well saved by Cesar.

Villarreal were continuously pushed back as Cesar pulled out a great stop to again keep out Borrel, before Martinez Alain fired over in a glaring miss.

Villarreal continued to be pushed back by Mirandes, who deservedly took the lead on the hour mark when substitute Pablo Infante scored.

He netted his second of the night in the 88th minute to seal Mirandes’ spot in the last 16, while Mateo Musacchio’s late sending off ensured a miserable night for Villarreal.

The drama did not stop there for Villarreal, who wasted little time in parting ways with manager Juan Carlos Garrido after the match.

Malaga were made to work hard by a valiant Getafe side, but managed to draw 2-2 in the second leg to go through with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Athletic Bilbao are through after winning 1-0 against Real Oviedo at San Mames thanks to Ander Herrera’s second-half strike, in a repeat of the first-leg score.

In a seven-goal thriller, Racing Santander advanced into the last 16 at the expense of Rayo Vallecano by virtue of the away goal ruling.

Rayo defeated Racing 4-3 on Wednesday, meaning the sides drew 6-6 over the two legs.

Despite winning 2-1 at home on the night, Real Betis exited at the hands of Cordoba, who won the first leg 1-0.

Levante completed a remarkable recovery against Deportivo la Coruna, who had won the first leg 3-1.

Levante reversed that scoreline to force extra time before securing their spot in the last 16 with a goal from Arouna Kone.

Granada defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 on Wednesday but were still eliminated 5-3 on aggregate, while Osasuna’s 1-1 draw with Almeria saw them claim a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

Real Zaragoza, however, fell short against Alcorcon, whose 2-0 victory in the second leg helped them move into the last 16 with a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

Barcelona, Real Madrid,