Valencia suffer major King's Cup upset
Third division Alicante came back from 3-1 down in extra-time to beat Spanish champions Valencia on penalties and provide the shock of the night in the second round of the King's Cup on Wednesday.
Two other top flight sides suffered defeats, Athletic Bilbao losing 2-1 to third division Real Union de Irun and Malaga going down 2-0 to second division leaders Xerez.
The big surprise was not served up until late, though, as Valencia somehow contrived to lose a match they had sewn up.
After the first 90 minutes finished 1-1, Rafa Benitez's side moved into a commanding lead with goals from Juan Sanchez, a fine angled shot from Miguel Angel Angulo's pass, and Mista.
Alicante scored twice in two minutes through Juli and Toni Garcia, though, and the home side clinched the win 5-4 on penalties as Valencia's Brazilian fullback Fabio Aurelio missed with the last kick of the game.
Real Betis had been facing a big upset as they trailed third division Palamos 3-1 early in the second half.
Goals from Fernando and Rivera forced extra-time, though, and the Andalucians ran out 6-3 winners, Joaquin, Marcos Assuncao and Fernando Varela sparing their blushes.
Real Madrid had no such problems, the European champions moving smoothly through to the third round as what was virtually a reserve side won 4-0 away to second division Real Oviedo.
Coach Vicente del Bosque left 10 first team regulars at home, including Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Luis Figo, but the European champions eased to victory with two goals apiece from Tote and Javier Portillo.
"We had the right attitude and that made it look easy," said Del Bosque. "The players were highly professional.
"It's always hard to leave players out but that's the job of the coach. I had faith in the team I chose tonight and I'm glad the players had the chance to show how useful they can be to this club."
Cup holders Deportivo Coruna won through to the last 16 on Tuesday with a 4-3 success at local rivals Racing Ferrol.
Celta Vigo are away to Numancia in the final second round match on Thursday.
