Barcelona and Atlético Madrid won their first leg ties on Thursday, and both are well placed to make it through to the semi-finals once again. Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 0-1, the first time they have won in the Anoeta stadium in ten years. It was a physical match though with few chances throughout the ninety minutes, Neymar getting the only goal from the penalty spot after Aritz Elustondo tripped him in the area midway through the first half. Earlier in the evening Atlético won 3-0 against Eibar, Griezmann heading the opener after Yoel failed to get to a long Koke free kick on the half hour mark. Correa added the second following a good run by Carrasco some thirty minutes later, and Gameiro made it three soon afterwards after Koke’s corner was headed across to him. (19.01.17)
A big surprise in the cup on Wednesday night, Real Madrid losing 1-2 to Celta in their first leg tie. Zidane’s side had seen their 40 game unbeaten run come to an end at Sevilla on the weekend, and they went behind to a Iago Aspas strike some twenty minutes in to the second half. Marcelo levelled the scores with an impressive volley soon afterwards, but just a minute later Aspas sent Jonny through to score the winner. The return leg is next Thursday. Earlier in the evening Alavés moved closer to a place in the semi-finals for the third time in their history after beating second division Alcorcón 0-2. Substitute Ibai Gómez came on to score both goals in the last four minutes of the game, the first following a cross from Christian Santos, and the second with an injury time free kick after Bellvis had been sent off for a foul on Santos. (18.01.17)