Copa del Rey, Preliminary round

The second legs of the preliminary round of the Spanish cup took place this week, with the top teams from the second division B and the third division taking part. A few surprises already, with three of the sides involved in last season's second division play-offs, Universidad Las Palmas, Burgos and Logroñes, all eliminated. Logroñes sacked manager Juan Señor as a result. The draw for the first round proper takes place on 16th September, with first and second division sides all entering at the stage. Matches take place over one leg at the ground of the lower division side on or around 8th October. The date has already thrown up a problem though, as international matches take place the following weekend and many of the top clubs will be missing their star players. (10.09.03)