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Copa del Rey, fourth round, first leg

No problems for defending Copa del Rey champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their cup tie against second division B side Cornellà, Ancelotti’s side running out 1-4 winners in the end. The match was brought forward by five weeks to free up Madrid’s programme for the upcoming Club World Cup, and the venue was switched to the Power 8 stadium of Cornellà’s bigger neighbours Espanyol, an impressive crowd of around 30,000 turning out to cheer on their team who had only won promotion from the regional third division the year before. With less than ten minutes gone Madrid seemed to be on their way to a comfortable win when Varane headed in a James corner, but ten minutes later day-time electrician Oscar Muñoz picked up a pass from Josele to turn past Arbeloa and fire the equalizer past Keylor Navas. Varane restored the lead though with another header from Isco’s corner shortly before half time, and seven minutes after the restart Chicharito picked up a loose ball after Benzema was tackled to make it three. The crowd kept on singing though, and although Marcelo scored a fourth after Segovia could only push out a shot from Isco, this was their night.

Sevilla’s first leg tie against Sabadell was also advanced to this Wednesday in order for them to carry out a promotional tour in December, and the Andalusians virtually ensured themselves a place in the last sixteen as well after they clocked up a 1-6 victory. Unai Emery was not taking any chances after his team were knocked out by Racing Santander (then in the second division B) last season, and he put out a strong line up. Midway through the first half Kolodziejczak opened the scoring after Navarro headed on a Denis Suárez corner, and with the first half coming to a close Iago Aspas made it two with an impressive volley after his first shot was blocked. The on-loan Liverpool striker got his second of the night on the hour mark, coolly placing his shot after rounding the keeper, and seven minutes later Gameiro converted a penalty after Agus tripped up Reyes. Three minutes after that Reyes made it five, beating Nauzet with a shot from outside of the area, and although Ernest Forgas headed one back after Sergio Rico blocked a shot from Porcar, Aspas completed his hat-trick with a second penalty after Nauzet brought him down in the area. (29.10.14)