The third round of the Spanish cup took place this week, with 22 lower ranked teams looking to join the first division clubs in the next round. As in previous years there were six ties involving sides from the regional leagues, the winners of which (Cartagena, Elche, Formentera, Fuenlabrada, Ponferradina and Real Murcia) being seeded in next Thursday’s draw together with Lleida (who were given a bye) to meet the seven top flight teams playing in Europe this season. The remaining ties were between second division A teams, Numancia beating Sporting on penalties on Tuesday, Cádiz and Tenerife winning through against Osasuna and Córdoba on Wednesday, and Valladolid and Zaragoza beating Cultural Leonesa and Lugo respectively on Thursday. All will also face first division opposition in the next round. (21.09.17)