In an exciting round of Copa del Rey games, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both beat Arandina and Lugo to earn their spots in the round of 16 while Real Betis suffered a surprising exit at the hands of Alaves.

Real Madrid Overcomes Arandina with Class and Finesse

Real Madrid, the defending champions, faced a challenging first half against fourth-division Arandina but emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Joselu scored from the penalty spot, following a foul on Brahim Diaz. Diaz himself doubled the lead a minute later, showcasing Madrid’s attacking prowess.

Despite missing key players due to injuries, Carlo Ancelotti’s side displayed solid performances, with notable contributions from the debutant Arda Guller. A late strike from Rodrygo sealed Madrid’s win, although Arandina managed to score a consolation goal through Nacho’s own goal.

How Many Copa Del Rey Has Real Madrid Won

As of today, January 7, 2024, Real Madrid has won a total of 20 Copa del Rey titles. They are the reigning champions, having recently secured their 20th victory in the 2023 final against Osasuna.

Though they boast impressive Copa del Rey wins, they remain in third place when compared to other teams. FC Barcelona leads the pack with 31 titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao with 23.

Even though they have won the Copa del Rey many times, it’s interesting to note that they haven’t been the best team in the tournament lately. Before 2023, their last win was in 2014. Part of the reason for this could be a change in strategy that puts more emphasis on other events, such as La Liga and the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid also made it to the round of 16 with a 3-1 win over Lugo, a third-tier team. The first goal for Atletico came from Angel Correa, but Lugo’s rough play led to Leandro Antonetti’s goal, which tied the game. But Memphis Depay scored two goals in the second half to help Atletico come back and move on in the game.

Real Betis’ Cup Run Ends in Disappointment

In a surprising turn of events, Real Betis, the 2022 cup champions, were knocked out of the competition by LaLiga’s Alaves. A solitary goal by Carlos Benavidez in the 57th minute was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for Alaves, marking Betis’ first cup defeat in regular time since 2019.

Girona Moves Forward with a Comfortable Win

Elsewhere, Girona progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win over Elche, thanks to goals from Daley Blind and Yan Couto, both assisted by Portu.

As the Copa del Rey continues to unfold, the excitement builds with the entry of top teams like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid into the last 16, while the unexpected exit of teams like Real Betis adds to the unpredictability and charm of the tournament.

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