In an enthralling night of Copa del Rey action, Girona FC, Real Sociedad, and Celta Vigo secured their spots in the quarterfinals, each showcasing their ambition and prowess in Spain’s esteemed cup competition.
Girona’s Remarkable Journey Continues
Girona FC, currently defying expectations as the surprise leader of La Liga, extended their dream run by cruising past Rayo Vallecano with a 3-1 victory. Striker Cristhian Stuani was the hero of the night, netting two quickfire goals in the 15th and 19th minutes, setting the tone for a memorable win. Follow your favourite football team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
Daley Blind’s contribution in the 26th minute further solidified Girona’s dominance before Rayo managed to pull one back through Randy Nteka. This win not only propels Girona into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals for the first time in five years but also reinforces their status as a formidable force this season.
Real Sociedad’s Steady Progress
Real Sociedad, steadily holding their ground in the Spanish league, continued their consistent Copa del Rey performances by ousting Osasuna with a 2-0 victory. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, and Mikel Merino sealed the deal in stoppage time, ensuring Sociedad’s place in the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. Osasuna, last year’s finalists, couldn’t find their rhythm and faced a significant setback when Alejandro Catena received a straight red card, reducing them to ten men.
Celta Vigo Shines Away from League Woes
Celta Vigo, momentarily shifting focus from their league struggles, delivered a compelling 3-1 win against Valencia. Anastasios Douvikas emerged as the standout performer, striking twice, while Luca de la Torre also made his mark on the scoresheet. Despite Valencia’s attempts to mount a comeback, signified by Pepelu’s goal, Celta Vigo held firm to secure their first quarterfinal berth since 2017.
The Copa del Rey quarterfinal lineup is shaping up to be a spectacle, with Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, and Mallorca having booked their spots earlier. As the competition intensifies, all eyes now turn to the upcoming clashes, especially the highly anticipated encounter between Atletico Madrid and defending champions Real Madrid, and Barcelona’s visit to Unionistas. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.
