Search:



The Web

Rediff










Home > Sports > Football > Reuters > Report

Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia exit Cup

Simon Baskett | October 28, 2004 11:57 IST

Holders Real Zaragoza, league leaders Barcelona, champions Valencia and high-flying Espanyol all fell victim away to lower-ranked opponents in a night of upsets in the King's Cup on Wednesday.

A weakened Barca, missing the influential Ronaldinho and Deco, lost their first domestic game of the season in a shock 1-0 extra-time defeat by third division Gramenet.

The modest Catalan side produced a combative defensive display to keep their illustrious neighbours at bay and force the game into the extra period.

Midfielder Olles became the hero of the night when he made the most of a mometary lapse in the Barca defence to crack home the winner in the 98th minute.

"We took the game very seriously and I cannot fault the attitude of my players," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

"We had a stack of scoring chances but the ball just wouldn't go in the net and I have to congratulate Gramenet for such a good tactical performance."

Nine-man Zaragoza slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Gimnastic, Espanyol lost 5-3 on penalties to Terrassa and Claudio Ranieri's Valencia were dealt their fourth defeat in a row when they also lost to a second division side by going down 1-0 at Lleida.

Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Numancia all had an easier time with comfortable wins over third division opponents.

Real Madrid had already made it safely through to the second round on Tuesday, England striker Michael Owen scoring his third goal in as many games to help his side clinch a 2-1 win over third division neighbours Leganes.

Zaragoza, who claimed a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid in last year's final, got off to a dreadful start against Gimnastic when striker Antonio Pinilla scored from a rebound after just two minutes.

SITUATION WORSENED

Pinilla's substitute Fernando made it 2-0 after the break and the situation worsened for Zaragoza when they were reduced to nine men after centre-backs Alvaro and Gabriel Milito were dismissed in quick succession for picking up second bookings.

Midfielder Albert Zapater pulled one back in injury time, but it was scant consolation for the holders who have been eliminated in the first round on five occasions the season after winning the Cup.

Valencia boss Ranieri will find himself under increased pressure after watching a second-string side produce a lame performance against Lleida who were the better team throughout.

Midfielder Albert Crusat scored the winner 16 minutes from time when he outpaced the defence, beat keeper Anders Palop to the ball and looped a deflected shot into the empty net.

Espanyol, fourth in the Primera Liga, were the victims of the first upset when they lost 5-3 on penalties to Terrassa, who held their opponents to a goalless draw despite playing much of the second half and all of extra-time with just 10 men.


Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Write us a letter
Discuss this article



Related Stories


Owen earns Real 1-0 win

Eto'o strikes twice

Milan clubs eye next stage



People Who Read This Also Read


Indian eves thrash Azerbaijan







© Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.











Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.