Hercules too strong for Villarreal
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Article summary
Third division Hercules CF pulled off a shock in the Copa del Rey by beating Villarreal CF.
Article body
Spanish third division side Hercules CF tonight provided the first upset of the Copa del Rey as they struck late to beat Villarreal CF 2-1 in a match that finished with both sides down to ten men.
Palmermo leveller
Trailing 1-0 to an early goal from Borja Lafuerza and a man short after the sending-off of Unai, first division Villarreal were handed a route back into the game when Hercules had Jacinto shown a red card on 61 minutes. Martin Palermo equalised within four minutes but it was Hercules who finished the stronger on home territory, Vicente Borge grabbing the winner eight minutes from time.
Shock avoided
Club Atlético Osasuna, the other top-flight side in action tonight, comfortably avoided a shock at fourth division SD Lemona, with goals from José Manuel Mateo, Cesar Palacios and Alfredo giving them a 3-0 win.
More action
In an all-second division match, a fifth minute goal from Ruben proved enough to give Real Oviedo a 1-0 win at SD Compostela. RC Deportivo La Coruña will get the defence of their title under way at third division Corralejo on Wednesday, while Real Madrid CF are at San Sebastian de los Reyes and FC Barcelona travel to face Novelda.
