Copa del Rey round-up: Villarreal and Girona knocked out as four other La Liga sides progress

The second round of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey continued on Tuesday with six La Liga teams in action: Villarreal, Girona, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Leganes, and Real Betis. Here’s how the matches unfolded:

Pontevedra 1-0 Villarreal.

Villarreal’s strong season hit a roadblock as they were eliminated by fourth-tier Pontevedra. Dalisson de Almeida’s 87th-minute strike sealed the upset.

Logrones 0-0 Girona (4-3 pens).

After 120 minutes without a goal, Girona fell 4-3 in a penalty shootout, ending their Copa del Rey campaign.

Salamanca Unionists 2-3 Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo pulled off a dramatic comeback after trailing 2-0 early, with goals from Oscar Trejo, Pedro Diaz, and Adrian Embarba securing their spot in the next round.

Ejea 1-3 Valencia.

Valencia advanced comfortably with second-half goals from Iker Cordoba, Dani Gomez, and Rafa Mir, overcoming an early strike by Ejea’s Gabri Palmas.

CD Estepona 2-2 Leganes (4-5 pens).

Leganes survived a penalty shootout after twice coming from behind. Munir El Haddadi and Javi Hernandez scored in regular time, and the visitors held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties.

Sant Andreu 1-3 Real Betis.

Betis secured their place in the next round with goals from Chimy Avila, Marc Bartra, and Ez Abde, overcoming a spirited Sant Andreu side that found the net through Sergi Serrano.

The drama of the Copa del Rey continues as underdogs and comebacks highlight the tournament!