Copa del Rey 2025: Betis and Alavés Secure Quarterfinal Spots
In a thrilling round of 16 in the Copa del Rey, both Real Betis and Deportivo Alavés triumphed to secure their spots in the quarterfinals. Betis rallied behind a double from Chimy Ávila to come from behind and defeat Elche 2-1, while Alavés dismantled Rayo Vallecano with a steady 2-0 victory.
Betis Overcomes Slow Start Against Elche
Real Betis faced a challenging match against Elche, who controlled much of the first half. The visitors managed to create more threatening chances, with Ruibal’s thunderous strike almost finding the back of the net just before halftime, clanging off the crossbar.
However, it was Elche that struck first in the second half. A corner, taken by Ruibal, found Leo Petrot, who was in the perfect position to slot it home in the 58th minute. This goal put pressure on Betis, who seemed to struggle to find their rhythm.
Things turned around for Betis when an insightful counterattack involving Fornals and Antony culminated in Chimy Ávila equalizing. Rumors of his potential move to Getafe seemed a far-off distraction as Ávila scored again just before the 80-minute mark, clinching the game and ensuring Betis’ progression to the next stage.
Alavés Dominates Rayo Vallecano
In Vitoria, Alavés showed their dominance against Rayo Vallecano. The first half was relatively uneventful until a pivotal moment occurred with Camello’s injury and an inexplicably early substitution that caught the visitors off guard. Despite facing pressure from Rayo, Alavés held firm and capitalized when it mattered.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime. A critical turnover allowed Denis to find Mañas, who chased the loose ball and sent a precise cross to Toni Martínez. Martínez executed an acrobatic finish, putting Alavés ahead and energizing the home crowd.
Rayo Vallecano struggled to get back into the game, and when Isi Palazón received a red card after a reckless tackle on Aleñá, their chances diminished. Carlos Vicente, who was saved for the late assault, sealed the victory with another goal in the dying minutes of the match, confirming Alavés’ place in the quarterfinals.
Moving Forward
As the cup progresses, both Betis and Alavés will look to maintain their momentum. With standout performances from players like Chimy Ávila and Toni Martínez, fans can expect even more excitement in the upcoming rounds. The upcoming matches promise to deliver edge-of-the-seat football as teams vie for one of Spain’s most prestigious trophies.