Barcelona survive cup scare at Cartagena

FC Barcelona survived an early scare but came from behind to ensure no lower-league sides caused a shock in the Copa del Rey round-of-32 first legs.

An historic result looked on the cards when the Spanish champions went behind at third division FC Cartagena but Gerardo Martino's men roused themselves to earn a 4-1 advantage ahead of the 17 December second leg. Fernando put the hosts into a surprise lead on 16 minutes but parity was restored by Pedro Rodríguez before Cesc Fàbregas struck again ahead of the interval. Pedro added a third in the 74th minute with Jean Marie Dongou (88) quashing any home hopes of a memorable result.

Another third-tier side, Algeciras CF, put in an impressive display to draw 1-1 at home to UEFA Champions League competitors Real Sociedad de Fútbol while a 94th-minute equaliser from Javier Aquino rescued a 2-2 draw for Villarreal CF against fellow Liga outfit Elche FC. Real Valladolid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid played out a 0-0 draw in Friday's other all-top-flight clash.

Though struggling in the league, Real Betis Balompié will fancy their chances of making it through to the next round after earning a 2-1 away success at Lleida Esportiu. Sevilla FC will equally fancy their chances in the second leg after earning a 1-0 win at Real Racing Club, despite losing Coke to a red card, as Jairo Samperio got the early winner.