Defending champion Real Madrid qualified for the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey after defeating Segunda Division team Arandina 3-1 on Saturday. The goals for the royal team were scored by Joselu (54, penalty), Ibrahim Dias (55), and Brazilian Rodrigo (90+1), while Arandina's goal came from Nacho's own goal (90+3). Arandina managed to keep a clean sheet in the first half, but the technical gap became evident in the second half. Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded Eduardo Camavinga as a starter following his return from a serious knee injury that kept him off the pitch for nearly two months. Ancelotti also mixed youth and experience by introducing Turkish playmaker Arda Güler, who played his first match since joining Real in the summer from Fenerbahçe.
Girona continued their successful adventure this season by reaching the next round with a 2-0 victory over host Elche. The goals for Girona, who sit second in La Liga just behind leaders Real Madrid on goal difference, were scored by Dutch player Daley Blind (37) and Brazilian Yan Couto (67). Atletico secured their place in the next round as well, taking the lead in the second minute through Argentine Ángel Correa, before home player Leandro Anthony tied it up before the end of the first half (39). Argentine coach Diego Simeone brought on French striker Antoine Griezmann at halftime to prevent any surprises, and the capital team regained the lead through Depay (66), who scored the decisive goal eight minutes later (74).
Atletico regained their winning form after losing their last match in La Liga to Girona, the season's surprise, with a score of 3-4, which caused them to drop from third to fifth place. Getafe also advanced by overcoming Espanyol, while Rayo Vallecano achieved victory over Huesca 2-0 after extra time. Real Betis exited the tournament after losing to Deportivo Alavés 0-1. Barcelona, the record holder for the most titles (31), will play their match in this round today, Sunday, against Barbastro.
