Real Madrid Enter to Copa del Rey Round of 16 with Victory over Arandina

Defending champions Real Madrid secured a spot in the Copa del Rey last 16 with a 3-1 victory over fourth-tier Arandina on Saturday.

Despite a resilient effort from the underdogs in the first half, Joselu scored a penalty early in the second half, and Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes added goals to extend Madrid’s lead. In stoppage time, Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez accidentally put the ball into his own net, giving Arandina a consolation goal at their packed 6,000-capacity El Montecillo stadium.

In other matches, Atletico Madrid advanced with a 3-1 win against third-tier Lugo, thanks to two goals from Memphis Depay. Real Betis was eliminated with a 1-0 defeat by Alaves, while surprise La Liga contenders Girona won 2-0 against second division side Elche.

Arandina put up a strong resistance, making the first half surprisingly even in the province of Castile and Leon. Carlo Ancelotti included Eduardo Camavinga, returning from a knee ligament injury, in the starting lineup. The Italian coach mainly fielded a mix of reserve and youth players, giving Turkish playmaker Arda Guler his first appearance since joining Madrid from Fenerbahce in the summer.

Guler came close to scoring in the first half, hitting the post with a powerful free-kick and displaying freedom to move around the pitch. Madrid took the lead in the second half with a penalty from Joselu after Brahim Diaz was fouled. Diaz then scored the second, and Rodrygo added the third in stoppage time. Arandina got a late consolation goal when Nacho deflected a cross into his own net.

In an earlier match, Memphis Depay scored twice for Atletico Madrid, securing a 3-1 victory over Lugo after being level at halftime. Atletico took the lead early in the second minute through Angel Correa, but Lugo equalized with a goal from Leandro Antonetti. Atletico regained the lead in the second half with two goals from Depay, securing their spot in the next round.

Barcelona, the record 31-time Copa winners, will play against Barbastro on Sunday.