Copa del Rey round-up: Much-changed Barcelona ease past Real Murcia
Tuesday 24 October 2017 23:32, UK
A much-changed Barcelona made light work of third-tier Real Murcia to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Copa del Rey last 32 tie on Tuesday.
With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta handed the night off, Paco Alcacer, Gerard Deulofeu and Jose Manuel Arnaiz, on his debut, took their chance to grab the goals for the holders.
Barca have now won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 games in all competitions, but took their time to break down their humble hosts.
Valencia, Barca's closest challengers in La Liga, continued their fine form as Rodrigo and Dani Parejo (penalty) struck in the final nine minutes to secure a 2-0 first-leg lead at Real Zaragoza.
Sevilla shrugged off three straight defeats to cruise towards the last 16 with a 3-0 win at Cartagena.
Malaga's search for a win this season continues, however, as they conceded twice in stoppage time to lose 2-1 at second-division Numancia.
Another late goal from Christian Santos handed Alaves a 1-0 win at Getafe, and a double from Sergio Leon secured a 2-1 win for Real Betis away at Cadiz.
