Barça on course as Sevilla slip up

Barcelona's Javier Saviola (left) is congratulated after scoring against Deportivo Alavés (©Getty

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Barça on course as Sevilla slip up

Two Javier Saviola goals put FC Barcelona in control of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie with Deportivo Alavés on a night which also produced away wins for Real Zaragoza and RC Deportivo La Coruña but another superb result for Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona relief

Alavés, one of four survivors in the competition from outside the Primera División, held Barcelona until not long before the hour mark, but Saviola then struck. The home side had David Coromina sent off with 13 minutes left and soon after Saviola scored again to give Barcelona a clear lead ahead of the return legs next week.

Vallecano hold Sevilla

Vallecano, the only remaining third-tier team, knocked out the holders RCD Espanyol in the last round and could pull off another shock after holding Primera División leaders Sevilla FC 0-0. However, last season's beaten finalists Zaragoza were more sure against lower-level opposition as they triumphed 3-0 at Málaga CF.

Villarreal humbled

Villarreal CF, however, are in danger of an exit against a Segunda División team after losing 2-1 at Real Valladolid and ending with ten men when Guillermo Franco was sent off late on. Valencia CF kept up their rcent unbeaten run as they drew 1-1 at Getafe CF thanks to David Silva's last-gasp goal cancelling out Veljko Paunović's effort in the opening seconds. Club Atlético de Madrid drew 1-1 at home to CA Osasuna on Tuesday while the remaining first-leg tie between Real Betis Balompié and Real Madrid CF is played on Thursday night.
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