Copa del Rey Wrap: Valencia scrape through

Having been held to a goalless draw on the road in the first leg, Valencia will have been feeling more than confident about sealing their progression on home turf against third-tier opposition.

However, that proved to be easier said than done, as the hosts - under the temporary charge of Nico Estevez - struggled to break down their visitors at a sparsely populated Mestalla.

Paco Alcacer handed the Liga side the advantage in the 37th minute, before a foul on Pablo Piatti in the area late on offered substitute Helder Postiga the opportunity to double Valencia's lead from the spot.

Article continues below

At San Mames, Athletic Bilbao stormed to a 4-0 victory over 10-man Celta Vigo to sail into a last-16 meeting with Real Betis, prevailing 4-1 on aggregate.

Simao opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute, before Sidnei's strike five minutes from time secured a showdown with second-tier Alcoron.

Real Valladolid's Javi Guerra played the part of both hero and villain as his side crashed out 3-1 to Rayo Vallecano.