Madrid, November 15:

Spanish first division club Real Zaragoza slumped to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at third division Pontevedra in the first leg of their Copa del Rey match on Wednesday.

The 2006 finalists, who lifted the trophy in 2001 and 2004, were hit on the break when the Segunda B side scored 10 minutes from time through Argentine midfielder Victor, in the last 32 round game. Villarreal are only a point behind leaders Real Madrid in the top-flight but had a scare before coming through 4-2 winners at Las Palmas. Villarreal looked to be in command when Guillermo Franco and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead inside 21 minutes. But the second division’s bottom-placed club clawed their way back to 2-2. Manuel Pellegrini’s side sealed a 4-2 win with late goals from Bruno Soriano and a second from Franco after Las Palmas had been reduced to 10 men.

Elsewhere, two goals from striker Riga gave Levante a 2-1 win at home to Almeria, and the other all-Primera Liga clash between Valladolid and Real Murcia finished 1-1. Recreativo Huelva grabbed a late winner in a 1-0 away victory at second division Xerez and second division leaders Malaga drew 0-0 at home to Racing Santander.

The remaining seven ties have been postponed until next month at the request of clubs exercising the option due to international call-ups. The return legs are due to be played on January 2.