Andres Iniesta [ Images ] celebrated being named on the shortlist for the FIFA [ Images ] World Player of the Year award with a glorious goal for Barcelona [ Images ] as the holders won 3-0 at Alaves in a King's Cup last-32 first leg on Tuesday.
The Spain playmaker, who struck the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, had limited space on the edge of the area when he curled a delicate shot into the top corner to double Barca's lead after 50 minutes.
Alaves reached the final of the UEFA [ Images ] Cup in 2001 and now play their football in the third tier of Spanish football but battled hard against a Barca side who were without the rested Lionel Messi [ Images ].
They faded, however, after Iniesta fed David Villa [ Images ] to slam a shot in off the crossbar just before halftime.
Alaves have a mountain to climb if they are to come back in next month's second leg at the Nou Camp, particularly after Cesc Fabregas [ Images ] headed a third for the unbeaten La Liga [ Images ] leaders at the end.
Earlier, Valencia ran out 2-0 winners over another Segunda B side Llagostera thanks to a brace of set-piece goals on a rain-lashed artificial pitch.
The visitors struggled until Jonas nodded the opener after a well-worked freekick just before the break. Nelson Valdez headed the second from a corner.
The hosts had the chance to give themselves a lifeline for the return leg at the Mestalla with a penalty near the end but Marc Sellares fired his spot kick against the post.
The second legs are scheduled for November28.
Real Madrid [ Images ] visit Alcoyano on Wednesday when La Liga co-leaders Atletico Madrid are away to Jaen.
Photograph: Vincent West/Reuters
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