Espanyol lift King's Cup

Espanyol put aside relegation worries to clinch a scintillating 4-1 win over favourites Real Zaragoza in the King's Cup final at the Bernabeu.

Midfielder Ivan de la Pena masterminded the victory for the Primera Liga strugglers by setting up three goals, while striker Luis Garcia weighed in with a classy double.

Skipper Raul Tamudo gave the Barcelona-based side a shock lead after two minutes when he headed in a rebound following a De la Pena free kick but Zaragoza levelled the game just before the half hour through Brazilian striker Ewerthon.

Espanyol reclaimed the lead four minutes later when striker Luis Garcia scored with another header after Tamudo and De la Pena combined to carve open the Zaragoza defence.

Zaragoza's chances of a comeback were torpedoed when keeper Cesar was sent off for a second booking after throwing an object back into the crowd 20 minutes from time.

Espanyol midfielder Ferran Corominas took immediate advantage to make it 3-1 with a virtuoso solo goal.

Luis Garcia put the icing on the cake with a great strike four minutes from time as Espanyol won a fourth King's Cup.