Defending champions Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Levante on Thursday, and they now have to win in the Nou Camp next week if they are to stay in the competition. Valverde left most of his big names at home, and they paid the price when Cabaco headed in Rochina’s free kick, and Mayoral added a second with less than twenty minutes gone. In the end though Coutinho got a vital away goal from the penalty spot after Denis Suárez was tripped in the area with five minutes to go. Barça’s opponents in last season’s final were Sevilla, and they are looking good for a place in the last eight after they won 1-3 at Athletic Bilbao. Nolito’s early opener was cancelled out by a header from San José soon after the restart, but goals by André Silva and Ben Yedder gave the Andalusians a comfortable win in the end. Meanwhile Sevilla’s neighbours Betis were held to a 0-0 draw by Real Sociedad, keepers Joel and Rulli both putting top class performances to leave everything in the balance for next week’s second leg. (10.01.19)
Real Madrid bounced back from their weekend defeat with a 3-0 victory over Leganés on Wednesday which virtually ensures them a place in the quarter finals. Sergio Ramos got the opener from the penalty spot after Gumbau brought down Odriozola in the area, and after the restart Vinicius set up Lucas Vázquez for the second, and then volleyed home the third himself from Odriozola’s centre. Atlético Madrid still have some work to do though after they drew 1-1 at Girona. Griezmann gave Simeone’s side the lead with a shot from outside of the area which went in off the post and Iraizoz, but Lozano levelled the scores shortly before the break with a looping shot which Adán couldn’t keep out. Villarreal and Espanyol also drew 2-2, the Catalans going two up with strikes by Darder and Alex López in the first and second halves, but the locals fighting back with goals by Ekambi and Bacca in the last five minutes. Elsewhere Getafe beat Valladolid 1-0, substitute Angel heading a last gasp winner in injury time after Yoel saved from Jorge Molina. (09.01.19)
The Spanish cup is largely played out in the first two months of the year, with the round of sixteen starting this week. Sporting Gijón are the only lower ranked side left in the competition this season, and they got off to a promising start with a 2-1 victory over Valencia on Tuesday night. Noblejas put the Asturians ahead, and although Gameiro headed the equaliser on the stroke of half time after a Dani Parejo shot came back off the bar, ex Derby County striker Blackman headed the winner just seconds after coming on as substitute. It was another blow for Valencia coach Marcelino, and he urgently needs to turn things around if he is to stay in his job. (08.01.19)