Deportivo cruise to cup success

RC Deportivo La Coruña eased to a first-leg victory against last year's finalists CA Osasuna in the Copa del Rey last 16, while Valencia CF won at Villarreal CF.

No problems
After FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF put one foot in the quarter-finals last night, it was Deportivo who took centre stage this evening by humbling the Primera División high-flyers. Pedro Munitis broke the deadlock in the eleventh minute and Juan Carlos Valerón made it two just before half-time. Lionel Scaloni wrapped up the 3-0 win in the 85th minute.

Holders draw
Second-half goals from Mario Regueiro and David Villa, from the penalty spot, either side of a sending off for Villarreal's Mariano Barbosa, gave Valencia a derby victory in their first match of 2006. Elsewhere, cup holders Real Betis Balompié earned a 1-1 draw at RC Celta de Vigo while RCD Espanyol won 1-0 at Getafe CF.

Kanouté double
Finally, two late Frédéric Kanouté goals restored Sevilla FC's hopes after they trailed 3-0 at Cádiz CF. The match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Zaragoza was postponed after the home team saw 14 players taken ill with food poisoning. It is not yet known when the game will be played.