Tuesday saw four sides secure passage into the last sixteen of the Copa del Rey in a night that saw twenty-four goals in just four games.

Valencia were the story of the night, eventually qualifying, although credit to Rayo Vallecano who made things very difficult for Los Ches.

Valencia came into the game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg and they may be forgiven for thinking they were in for a comfortable evening when Paco Alcacer gave them an early lead. Any such notions were put to bed before half time when goals from Jozabed, Pozuelo and Jonathan Pereira gave Rayo a 3-1 lead on the night and a 4-3 lead on aggregate. Valencia now needed at least a draw on the night to avoid going out on away goals.

The second half started well for them when Morcilla scored an own goal to make the score 3-2. However, Rayo weren't in the mood for lying down and went 4-2 up courtesy of a goal from Adri Embarba. Valencia looked dead and buried but goals from Paco Alcacer and Rodrigo saw them level the scores on the night and go 6-5 ahead on aggregate. There was still time for more drama when Valencia were reduced to ten men when Rodrigo was sent off. Rayo dominated the last ten minutes but were unable to find the goal that would have won the tie on away goals and Valencia were able to advance to the next round.

Celta Vigo came into their home game with Las Palmas 2-1 down from the first leg but looked to be heading through when goals from Joaquin Larrivey and Santi Mina gave them a 2-0 lead. Las Palmas levelled the tie just three minutes after the second goal through Nauzet but their joy was shortlived as two yellow cards in five minutes saw Aythami Artiles sent off. Las Palmas defended well but with extra time looming Fabian Orellana scored to send Celta through. 

There was to be no such drama in the Camp Nou where a weakened Barcelona team thrashed Huesca 8-1 to seal a 12-1 aggregate win. The goals for the Catalan giants came from Pedro (3), Sergi Roberto, Andres Iniesta, Adriano Correia, Adama Traore and Sandro Ramirez before Carlos Morena scored a late consolation for the side from the Segunda B2.

In the final game of the night Almeria hosted Real Betis with a 4-3 lead from the first leg. Second half goals from Michel and Jonathan Zongo saw Almeria extend their lead before Damien Perquis got a goal back for Betis. The damage had already been done however and Almeria went through 6-4 on aggregate.

Tuesday Results

Valencia 4-4 Rayo Vallecano (6-5)

Celta Vigo 3-1 Las Palmas (4-3)

Barcelona 8-1 Huesca (12-1) 

Almeria 2-1 Real Betis (6-4)

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About the author
Gerry Johnston
Cover Spanish and Italian football for VAVEL UK.