Leganes end 89-year wait to reach Copa del Rey last-eight

Madrid (AFP) – Leganes, a modest club from the Madrid suburbs, reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey for the first time in their 89-year existence on Wednesday.

Despite losing 2-1 at Villarreal, who are currently sixth in La Liga, Leganes progressed on away goals having won the first leg 1-0.

Moroccan international Nabil El Zhar scored the crucial away goal for mid-table Leganes on the half-hour mark.

In the night’s other early second leg tie, last season’s runners-up Alaves downed third division Formentera 2-0 for a 5-1 aggregate win.

Later Wednesday, Real Madrid should comfortably progress at home to second division Numancia having already won the first leg 3-0.

On Thursday, three-time defending champions Barcelona host Celta Vigo with the two sides locked at 1-1.