MADRID: Getafe bounced back from two consecutive league defeats to play out a 1-1 draw with Espanyol that sees them progress to the next round of the Copa del Rey. Roberto Soldado's early goal gave them a cushion and Ivan Alonso's equaliser could not prevent Espanyol from tumbling out of the competition.

The visitors held a 2-0 lead coming in from the first leg, and Mauricio Pochettino looked to overturn the lead by recalling Raul Tamudo to the starting XI. However, Getafe enjoyed the early pressure and took the lead in the 21st minute — Espanyol did not pick up on Codina's ball for Roberto Soldado, who finished with ease.

The hosts were becoming frustrated as they trailed 3-0 on aggregate, and could do little to repel Getafe's attacks down the flanks. However, a defensive mistake from Cata Diaz allowed Ivan Alonso to pounce in the 37th minute and level the scores on the night. However, Pochettino was unable to rally his troops at half-time as they rarely threatened to go ahead on the night and close the gap on aggregate. Getafe played out the second half to advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Malaga.

In other matches. Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao played a 2-2 draw and the former advance on 4-2 aggregate score; Mallorca beat Real Valladolid 1-0 for a 2-2 aggregate and advanced on away goal rule; and Racing Santander defeated Salamanca 4-1 for a 4-2 aggregate win.

Athletic Bilbao had to overturn a two goal deficit at San Mames, and they came out all guns blazing in the opening stages against Rayo Vallecano. However, they couldn't break the deadlock until just before the break, when Fernando Llorente converted Andoni Iraola's right wing cross.

They were made to pay for their missed chances when Rayo Vallecano striker Juan Collantes expertly lifted the ball over Armando in the 72nd minute, but Llorente gave Athletic the lead again moments later amid some shocking marking. Two minutes later, the scores were level again through Edu Albacar, and this time there was no coming back for last year's finalists.

Valladolid brought a 2-1 lead coming into the second leg, but Mallorca looked fairly uninspired in the early stages, seemingly confident of the fact they would break through at some point. The tie swung in the hosts favour in the 40th minute when Alhassane Keita found the net, and Valladolid were forced to commit more men forward.

Mallorca could have sewn the tie up in the second half but Julio Alvarez missed a penalty, which was well saved by Fabricio Agosto. Los Blanquivioletas could not find the crucial goal, and Mallorca held on to secure a place in the last 16.

Salamanca incredibly took the lead in the 21st minute through Perico to give them a 2-0 aggregate lead. Racing, who sacked Juan Carlos Mandia on Monday, hit back through a brace from Mohammed Tchite to level the scores on aggregate by half-time.

Los Verdiblancos still needed another goal to secure their passage to the next round, and found it in the 56th minute when Ander Murillo put the ball in his own net. The tie was wrapped up 15 minutes from time when on-loan striker Xisco scored Racing's fourth, although Morris was sent off in the 77th minute to put a slight dampener on the evening for the hosts.

The next stage will take place on the midweek of January 6 and January 13 next year.