Reigning champion Real Madrid reach Copa del Rey last 16

MADRID: Reigning champion Real Madrid secured its place in the Copa del Rey last 16 with a 3-1 win at fourth-tier Arandina on Saturday.

The minnows fought hard in the first half but Joselu put Madrid ahead with a penalty early in the second, with Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes expanding Madrid’s lead later.

Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez put through his own net in stoppage time to give Arandina a consolation goal which delighted supporters at their packed 6,000-capacity El Montecillo stadium.

Arandina frustrated Madrid in a surprisingly even first half in the province of Castile and Leon, north of the Spanish capital. Carlo Ancelotti started Eduardo Camavinga, returning after a knee ligament injury which saw him miss nearly two months.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid progressed with a 3-1 win at third-tier Lugo after Memphis Depay struck twice, while Real Betis were knocked out in a 1-0 defeat by Alaves. Surprise La Liga title challenger Girona beat second division side Elche 2-0. Agencies

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