The Spanish cup kicked off this week, with 36 lower ranked teams playing first round ties over one leg. Of the three sides relegated from the second division A last season (Athletic Bilbao B are ineligible), Llagostera were given a bye and Albacete beat Real Unión to make it through to the second round, but Ponferradina were knocked out by regional third division side Cirbonero. Two other third division teams also qualified for the next round, Calahorra and Formentera. The 18 winners go through together with the six second division B sides who were given a bye. Second division A teams will also enter the competition at this stage, although they are kept separate in the draw from the regional sides. (31.08.16)